AFTER more than 40 years on the water, an Ipswich pensioner is today preparing to have his 40ft cruiser scrapped claiming the “yellow Wellie” brigade have taken over boating in the town.

AFTER more than 40 years on the water, an Ipswich pensioner is today preparing to have his 40ft cruiser scrapped claiming the “yellow Wellie” brigade have taken over boating in the town.

Ken Lyon bought his 12-tonne boat Pisces in 1965 and instantly fell in love with the converted harbour launch.

But the 67-year-old has become disillusioned with the developments in and around Ipswich's waterfront and said he has no regrets about giving up his pride and joy.

Mr Lyon, of Whitby Road, in north east Ipswich, said: “I don't like what they are doing around the area and I don't feel there's any more boating to be had.

“I have had my share and would rather leave it to the yellow Wellies. The docks are just a rat race now.

“I would rather the council had left it as it was. The people who should have the rights to the area are being slowly pushed out.

“The boat has taken a big chunk out of my life, but it has had its time and so have I.”

A member of Stoke Sailing Club for decades, Mr Lyon bought Pisces from the wife of good friend Eric Barber who had died suddenly after spending years renovating the boat.

With friends onboard, he would regularly take trips along the coast, motoring to Heybridge and Maldon before mooring up and paying a visit to one of the various watering holes.

He said: “We would go up and down the coast, find a pub and drink it dry. We had a lot of fun.

“Back in the 60s, there were very few boats on the river, nothing like today.”

Pisces has not been in the water for the last five years and Mr Lyon said the cost of refitting it and trying to sell it was not worth the bother.

It will now be gradually broken up and dumped.

The former tool maker added: “I lost my mother and I had enough. I'm quite happy to see it scrapped, even though we had some good times onboard.”