A disabled canal boater has received a final warning from the Canal & River Trust to remove his two workboats from the Kennet & Avon Canal.

The charity that manages the UK’s canals and inland waterways says his boats must be moved off the K&A no later than Wednesday, April 5.

It is also threatening George Ward, 62, that he will be ‘liable’ for further costs, possible arrest and committal to prison if he resists their removal or encourages others to do so.

In a final warning dated March 27, the Trust says: “As you know, you were required to remove your boat from the inland waterways owned or managed by the Canal & River Trust by no later than 23 March 2023.

“Sightings of your boat March Hare, index number 68691, show that it is still on our waters.

“We therefore now require you to remove your boat from our waters no later than April 5 2023, failing which we will remove it using our powers under Section 8 of the British Waterways Act 1983 and/or Section 13 of the British Waterways Act 1971 without further notice to you and you will be liable for the cost incurred.

“The removal will take place not less than seven days and not more than 28 days after the date of this letter.”

The Trust added: “If you make any attempts to prevent the removal of the boat, or encourage others to do the same, then this will increase the costs incurred for which you are liable.

“Where we have obtained a court order, we may also seek to enforce the injunctions which may result in your committal to prison.

“You should also remember that there is a current restraining order in force, granted by Salisbury Magistrates' Court on January 19 2023. Any breach of that order in respect of this matter will be reported to the police and may lead to your arrest."

Mr Ward is registered disabled and has mental health issues. His two workboats, the March Hare and The Celtic, have been moored on the K&A near Bradford on Avon since 2016.

He claims he has been intimidated, harassed and bullied by the charity and its staff, and since 2020 refused a licence for his boats.

The Trust denies his claims he has suffered discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, in that it ignored his applications for ‘reasonable adjustments’ for his disabilities.