In a debate in the House of Lords, the government was urged to help agencies like the Broads Authority (BA) manage the issue, which is causing huge costs.

Rt Revd Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich, is among those leading the calls for more powers to prevent the rise of vessels in poor condition littering the rivers.

The Bishop of Norwich the Rt Revd Graham Usher (Image: Supplied)

The owners of abandoned boats are notoriously difficult to find but when the vessels deteriorate, there is a risk they could sink, causing problems with pollution and dangers to navigation.

But the cost of removing them often falls on the navigation authority, if the owner cannot........

© Norwich Evening News