Riverside staithe could be sold off as village hall takes priority

A much-loved destination for feeding ducks and swans could be sold as a council seeks to prioritise its village hall. Hoveton Community Council (HCC) has owned Granary Staithe in the village since 2013 after successfully raising funds to keep it as a public space. But the waterside property requires the quay heading to be replaced - a major expense for the council.

The quay heading at Granary Staithe is in need of repairing, which will cost thousands of pounds (Image: Denise Bradley) Members are questioning whether spending thousands of pounds on these repairs would be the best use of their funds, preferring to see investment in the village hall instead. Some have also proposed selling the site entirely. Ben Bethell, the council clerk, said: "The staithe is busier during the summer months when the tourist season is in full swing.



"Many of those using the area will have bought food from one of the various surrounding eateries and enjoy their meal by the river. "Whether Hoveton residents get as much benefit as the tourists is unclear, but almost certainly the majority of those getting the most benefit from the area are visitors." Ben Bethell, Hoveton Community Council clerk (Image: Hoveton Community Council) Discussions are now beginning with businesses in the area over the future of the property.

"The council worked very hard to secure Granary Staithe more than a decade ago and its potential sale is not something being taken lightly," Mr Bethell added. "However, the council’s duty is to its residents and, as such, the option to sell cannot be discounted." Some councillors would prefer to see money spent on the village hall in Hoveton (Image: Denise Bradley) Granary Staithe is also facing another existential threat.

It has become one of the premier destinations for people wishing to feed ducks in the Broads. But in recent years, pigeons have become attracted to the site in increasing numbers. The birds are causing a nuisance due to the large flock scavenging food and their high volume of droppings.

HCC has since paused the sale of bird feed at the staithe to see if this affects the situation..