Residents have complained about the return of a "slumboat" barge to East Molesey, now moored opposite Ash Island in Elmbridge.

Lynda Wilson, 75, and her husband Tony, 77, who are both retired, claim the barge is moored directly outside their windows.

Mrs Wilson said: “It’s about 60 foot long and 25 feet high, and it’s just a mess. On top of it there’s a lot of old junk.”

Mr Wilson said: “[The owner] moors his barges wherever he likes until he gets evicted and then he moves his boats for about a mile.

“He lets them to backpackers for about 30 quid a night. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is.”

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “The boat is moored at the lock without our consent, and we have ordered the owner to move it. If they fail to comply, they could face prosecution.”