Ribs of Beef pub jetty needs fix to stop trapping boats

The Ribs of Beef, in Wensum Street, unveiled its new riverside jetty in July. 

However, the owner failed to get proper permission for the work and has had to submit a retrospective bid with the Broads Authority. 

Now members of the authority’s navigation committee have raised concerns that upright wooden posts, which hold up the handrail, are trapping small craft underneath. 

A report to the committee said: “We would like to see the bottom ends of the posts altered across the whole length of the mooring, so they do not pose a risk to vessels becoming trapped underneath.  

“This had happened to one of the vessels moored alongside when the site was visited.” 

The brand-new jetty at the Ribs of Beef has just been opened (Image: Ribs of Beef) (Image: Ribs of Beef)

The committee was also asked if they had any concerns that the decking - which is five metres longer than the previous structure - would cause issues for boats getting past Fye Bridge. 

Leslie Mogford, who has been past the pub since the change, said: “I have had no difficulty getting a large boat through there as it is now.  

“The thing I don’t like is the [wooden posts], if they sorted that out, I would have no problem with that decking at all. 

“It’s a pity they didn’t ask for planning permission in the first place.” 

Leslie Mogford, member of the Broads Authority's navigation committee (Image: Archant)

Alan Goodchild, the chairman of the committee, echoed Mr Mogford, saying the new decking looked “a lot tidier”. 

“I think they need additional posts put on so there is no risk of paddleboards or canoes getting caught under them, but I agree there is not an issue for large boats.” 

A Broads Authority officials have also suggested that the posts could be cut at a 45-degree angle. 

The committee’s comments will be passed on to the planning team.