The Rockland Poor's Trust has defended its decision to raise the charges at the staithe in the village of Rockland St Mary by 40pc.

A spokesman for the charity, which supports people in need in the village, said it had not done so for nearly a decade and that the increase followed a valuation report by an independent assessor.

However, the rise was deemed too high for the Broads Authority, with bosses deciding to stop offering free 24-hour public mooring.

The move is a blow to the village and to boaters and represents a significant reduction in the number of free public moorings available on the southern rivers.

Rockland St Mary Staithe's 24-hour moorings will cease after the Broads Authority declined to renew its lease (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The Poor's Trust spokesman said it followed the correct procedures.

"If the BA wants to go, that is their prerogative, but we do not want to be besmirched," he added.

"We are a long-established charity that raises a........

© Norwich Evening News