Removal of city centre paddle steamer under way
BBCThe complicated process of dismantling and removing an old paddle steamer from the centre of a city is under way.
The operation to break up the Compton Castle in Truro is costing £135,000 and is expected to take four weeks to complete.
The vessel has been moored on Lemon Quay since the early 1980s and has been used as a cafe, a flower shop and a museum before falling into disrepair.
Its removal is the latest phase of a project to renovate the area of the city and improve access to the waterside edge at Town Quay.
The derelict hulk was assessed to be too unstable to be floated away or lifted out in one piece.
The maritime manager at Cornwall Council and harbourmaster for the port of Truro Chris Jones said: "We worked hard with the contractor to try to bring a cost-effective solution to the removal.
"We considered various options, including sailing her downriver to our local scrapyard, but the most cost-effective method was to break her on site.
"We're pleased to see the costs reduced from the original quoted figure of £200,000, we undertook some initial works to remove the windows, the glazing, and did a general clean as well.
"The materials going from the vessel will be segregated and recycled where possible."
The work is being jointly funded by the Truro Town Deal and Cornwall Harbours Board.
Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment, added: "The removal of this eyesore will make a real difference to the people who visit Lemon Quay, and will allow for work to begin to open up the waterside for residents and visitors to enjoy.
"This is exactly the sort of work the Town Deal funds should be used for, making a positive and material difference to people's lives in the area."
The Compton Castle was built in 1914 and sailed on the River Dart in Devon before being used as a naval ammunition carrier in World War Two - she moved to her current location in 1982.
The vessel's condition has deteriorated significantly over the last 15 years and it sank on its mooring in 2023.
The Truro Town Deal Board successfully proposed removing it last year.
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