The Broads Authority (BA) has been urged to avoid raising the cost of using the waterways next year after it said it needs to put prices up by 12pc to plug a £400,000 blackhole in its funds.

It follows three years of steep increases, which have left boaters paying 30pc more.

A river cruiser sailing on Barton Broad (Image: Newsquest)

But amid a huge public backlash and complaints to the government, members fear another significant hike will push the situation to breaking point.

At a recent navigation committee meeting, members voted to call for a 5.9pc increase - half of what has been proposed.

This was the average toll increase calculated after each individual member suggested a figure, which ranged from 4pc to 7.5pc.

However, this will have repercussions for the network of rivers and broads as the BA will be forced to make staff and service cuts to balance the books, with the number of rangers patrolling the waterways earmarked to be culled.

Daniel Thwaites, director of Barnes Brinkcraft and broads Authority member........

© Eastern Daily Press