After the success of a ‘quiet zone’ on a stretch of canal near Pewsey, the Canal and River Trust is considering running the scheme in other areas.

The initiative was introduced last November by the trust – the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales – and Alton Parish Council to deal with disturbance created by people on moored boats.

It covers around 150 metres between Honeystreet Bridge and the Barge Inn, where signs have been put up welcoming boaters and asking them to be considerate of their neighbours.

Mark Stephens, waterway manager at the trust, said: “The zone is a new concept for us to try. It’s working well and the feedback from the parish council, residents and boaters has been positive.

“It works in a similar way to the signs you see in pubs, asking people to respect neighbours when they leave.

“Honeystreet Bridge is a lovely spot, relatively secluded, and in the past it wasn’t always obvious to boaters mooring there that their motors or music might be causing a problem. With the zone in place, they now know.”

It is the first time a ‘quiet zone’ has been trialled on the 200-year-old Kennet and Avon Canal, which is one of the most popular stretches of canal amongst boaters in the country.

Stephen Charles, who moors his boat on the stretch, said: “I don’t think boaters would have been aware that their presence was causing a disturbance.

“Now we do, we can make small changes that make a difference.

“Anything that helps people to get on with each other is a good idea.”

Charles Reiss, clerk of Alton Parish Council, said: “This has been a co-operative effort, with parish council, boaters and the trust working together to tackle a local problem.

“It’s not a complete solution but it has certainly helped. I believe this ‘quiet zone’ is the first of its kind anywhere on the waterway network. If the Q signs can be agreed and turn out to be helpful in other places as well, that would be great.”

The trust will consult with residents before proposing any new zones.