A BOAT user has criticised the 'atrocious' state of docking facilities at a Lake District site.

63-year-old Rob McWilliams uses Ferry Nab Marina in Bowness for parking, mooring and dinghy storage.

He says he pays around £1,800 a year for the ‘privilege of a shoddy service.' 

Last year a pensioner nearly died when a section of the jetty he was standing on collapsed and he fell behind a reversing boat, Mr McWilliams claimed.

The current generated by the propeller could have sucked him under the hull but the operator noticed and put the boat into forwards, he said. The man then had to be rescued from the water. 

A council spokesman said an internal review was held and action had been taken.

For people using berths it can cost an annual fee of £7,020 to moor a boat of up to 14 metres in length. There are ten berths available at the marina.

McWilliams added: "The toilets are atrocious. Three out of four women's toilets are still out of order. The wardens are absolutely brilliant but it's further up the chain where the problem is. 

"There's part of the jetty missing because they haven't repaired it.

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"One guy, he brought a boat up here and he was so disgusted he took it out to Whitehaven." 

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “The council takes its health and safety responsibilities very seriously and the facilities at Ferry Nab are subject to regular review and assurance alongside our wider assets. This includes checks on the jetties and associated facilities.

“Issues highlighted are rectified through an ongoing maintenance programme, prioritising health and safety. We are aware of some issues with the welfare facilities, and these are being addressed as part of an emerging investment programme.

“Regarding the incident where a gentleman fell into the water, this has been subject to an internal review and appropriate follow-up actions have been undertaken.’’