A KEY worker who lives on a boat says she is being 'evicted' from a marina because she complained about visitors flouting lockdown rules.

Sandra Burgess lives in a narrowboat moored at Droitwich Spa Marina but has now been given her marching orders, although managers dispute claims she is being 'evicted'. The 48-year-old, who works at an after school club near Worcester, received the notice on April 8 and has been told to leave by July 9 after lodging several complaints about people ignoring social distancing at the marina during the pandemic. She has been living at the marina for the last four years.

A letter to Miss Burgess from owner JR Weston, delivered by hand, reads: “You clearly are unhappy in the way I choose to run the marina and therefore I have taken the decision to issue you with three months notice to terminate the mooring, which is enclosed.”

Miss Burgess said: “It all came about because I have complained about people flouting the rules at the marina. Back in March I put two complaints into the main office regarding Covid-19. Due to no follow up from my complaint, I emailed the owner John Weston to take it further and requested a meeting with him to move forward. I got a letter stating I was in breach of my contract and they were giving me three months notice to leave. I am been evicted for complaining about people flouting the lockdown rules. As we are in lockdown, I am being forced to live on the canal side.”

Miss Burgess said lockdown breaches persisted over the weekend of May 23 and 24, four people and two dogs arriving to a family party and a ‘sleepover’. In total there was 14 people there, she said, and as a result Miss Burgess called the police. She said: “The police said that the visitors had stated they lived on one of the boats moored in the marina, resulting in nothing being done. I watch people having gatherings with no care about the risks of spread. I cannot organise any alternative mooring whilst we are in lockdown. I feel totally isolated with no one to turn to.”

A marina spokesman said: "Droitwich Spa Marina in these challenging and difficult times for everyone is following Government and Canal and River Trust advice and guidance.

With the easing of the restrictions we look forward to the reopening of the canals and river system for everyone to enjoy."