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Sherborne Wharf – FAQs

Read our FAQ's on Sherborne Wharf.

What has happened at Sherborne Wharf?

Sherborne Wharf Limited has entered liquidation, and the site has reverted to the Canal & River Trust. We recognise that Sherborne Wharf is an important site and that there is significant interest in its future. At present, we are reviewing the site and considering the most appropriate next steps. Although we are not yet able to provide a specific timeline, this work is ongoing. 

Do I still have a mooring?

We are currently reviewing all existing arrangements. To help us complete this review, please provide: 

  • A copy of your previous mooring agreement 

  • Evidence of payments made – please send this to the Business Boating [email protected]

  • If you are unable to send this information electronically, please visit Cambrian Wharf and present the documents to a member of the customer service team. They will take copies and forward them to Business Boating. 

We will confirm the next steps once this review is complete. To help us progress matters as quickly as possible, please send the above information by 31 July. 

Do I need to keep paying for my mooring?

We are currently reviewing all boats on site to understand who holds a legitimate agreement. 

If you are unable to provide evidence of a mooring agreement or payments, you may be considered to be moored without authorisation. In these cases, we will contact you separately regarding next steps, which may include formal action. 

Our aim is to ensure the Wharf is used safely, fairly, and in line with the Trust’s licensing requirements. Please ensure your boat displays a current licence.

What about electricity and water charges that I have paid to date?

Utility arrangements at the Wharf are currently under review.  As previously advised, any historic payments relating to utilities remain a matter for the liquidator. Following completion of ongoing works, we will be reviewing how electricity supply is managed on site. 

This may include: 

  • Introducing controls on who can access electricity 

  • Restricting supply where boats are not authorised to remain on site 

  • Introducing appropriate charging arrangements on an interim basis 

We will provide further detail before any changes are implemented. In the meantime, please continue to ensure all electrical connections are safe and compliant with guidance already issued. 

Who do I contact if something goes wrong on site? 

  • Urgent issues (for example, safety or maintenance): Please contact Customer Services on 03030 404040 [email protected]. This includes loss of electricity, interruptions to the water supply, and missed general waste collections. 

  • All other queries: Please use the Business Boating [email protected]

Please ensure that all electrical cables and connectors are kept out of the water at all times. Leads should be continuous, with no mid-span couplers, and positioned so that they cannot fall into the water, as this may cause RCD trips and power outages affecting other customers. 

Can other boats just move onto the Wharf now? 

No. The site is being actively monitored, and signage will be installed shortly to clarify the position for anyone interested in mooring there. This will confirm that unauthorised mooring is not permitted. We are taking steps to manage any unauthorised mooring activity. 

What do I do if another boat moors next to me?

You do not need to challenge anyone directly. If you have concerns, please report them to the us using to Business Boating

What happens if someone behaves in an anti-social way? 

  • In an emergency, call 999 

  • For non-emergencies, contact the Police on 101

For your own safety, please do not challenge individuals directly. 

Can I park on the access road? 

No. The access road must be kept clear at all times to allow emergency vehicle access

  • Signs will be erected stating: No Unauthorised Parking

Where should rubbish be placed? 

Waste should be placed as follows: 

  • Please place waste in the bins provided within the refuse compound

  • The local operations team has kindly offered short-term support to help restore the site. A litter boat passes through the site weekly, and we can arrange for it to stop and collect items that are too large or unsuitable for the regular bins

  • The litter boat will begin collecting waste in the week commencing June 1 and will continue until the end of July. Please leave these items under the bridge, in the location marked with the red dot below, for collection.

Once the last collection has been removed, please ensure no further waste or personal items are left in this area. All waste must be placed in the designated compound only. If any items are unsuitable for general waste collection, you must make your own arrangements for their proper disposal.

Litter boat collection points

Do I need a boat licence?

Yes. All boats must hold a valid Canal & River Trust licence and comply with the relevant licensing terms and conditions. Rangers will continue to carry out site inspections. 

Are mooring fees or terms going to change? 

We understand that this is an important concern. However, future arrangements, including fees and terms, are still under review. We will share further information as soon as we are able. 

How often will we receive updates? 

We expect to provide updates approximately every three weeks, or sooner if there are any significant developments.

What is the long-term plan for the Wharf?

The long-term future of the site is currently under consideration. No decisions have been made at this stage, and we will keep you informed as the position becomes clearer.

Ongoing work on site

We are continuing to progress a few important workstreams, including: 

  • Electrical compliance works (near completion) 

  • Water system investigations and testing 

  • General maintenance and vegetation management 

These works are necessary to ensure the site is suitable for ongoing use. 

What happens next?

We recognise that there are ongoing questions regarding: 

  • Future mooring arrangements 

  • Fees and terms 

  • Long-term management of the site 

These decisions are still under review, and we are working with internal stakeholders to determine the most appropriate approach.  We will continue to provide updates and expect to share the next one before the end of July.

Last Edited: 2 July 2026

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