In August 2024, the much loved ‘Town Steps Pontoon’ was reinstated at its location along the Quay at Burnham on Crouch (directly opposite ‘Shore Road’).
The pontoon is the only one along the quayside that is accessible to the public. It reaches approximately 45 metres into the River Crouch and offers spectacular views.
The pontoon is free for pedestrians to use and provides visitors access to the water’s edge for crabbing and water sports, as well as to catch one of the privately operated leisure services and tours that operate from its hammerhead.
Please be aware that the pontoon is a mixed use facility – for both licenced boats at the hammerhead and pedestrians – so please take care when using it.
Below are the do's and don’ts that we ask all users to abide by.
Click here to apply for a commercial (leisure only) licence to use the pontoon and our Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to find out more about the installation of the pontoon.
- Please be aware that there is no public mooring anywhere on the pontoon at any time. This is due to the hammerhead being reserved for licence holders only and the remainder of the pontoon having handrails which make the disembarking/embarking of any vessel unsafe.
- Any waterside tours or services available at the pontoon are privately operated businesses and are not managed by the Council. Please contact them directly for any queries.
Pontoon Terms of Use
- In an emergency always call 999 and ask for ‘the Coastguard’
- Users use the pontoon at their own risk
- Children must be supervised at all times
- No swimming, diving or jumping
- Mooring is not permitted at any time. Licence holders only permitted at the hammerhead (commercial pick up/drop off)
- Treat all wildlife with respect
- When crabbing please return all wildlife back to the water
- Maldon District Council accepts no liability for any damage to people or property while using the pontoon
- To report an urgent issue (such as damage to the pontoon) call 01621 854477
Feedback - if you have any feedback or comments about the pontoon, contact us using this form.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus