A BOAT, moored at Ryde Sands without permission, has been given until last Sunday (May 12) to move.

The Isle of Wight Council said Blue Seas Protection had failed to move their boat, despite repeated requests.

The authority said the group was not a registered charity, although it has applied for charitable status.

Previously, Blue Seas Protection had been told it could not berth its boat at Ryde Harbour because the space was needed for tourists.

The group was warned the council reserved the right to move the craft to a secure location.

However, no response was received from the owner.

The council is now taking legal advice and has been liaising with both the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth.

Officers contacted Blue Seas Protection last week outlining their concerns over the security of the vessel and the potential for it to become a hazard to navigation.

The council said there are other harbours on the Island that may be able to meet the group's needs.

A spokesperson said: "The group already has one boat in the harbour which is not being kept in accordance with the terms and conditions of the harbour, in that it has not demonstrated the craft is insured."