A mother-of-five who lives on a boat faces losing her home in a row over a relative’s injury.

Michelle Edwards, 51, needs to move to the mainland as her 16-year-old daughter Leonie is severely disabled and doctors have warned staying on the vessel puts her in danger.

But after one of Mrs Edwards’ relatives fell on the jetty at Port Werburgh, Hoo, last June and sued site owner Dennis Swann, relations have soured.

Now Mr Swann has told her if she sells the 113ft former water tanker, the new owners will need to find a new mooring.

The situation renders The Aquatic virtually worthless — she has already sliced the asking price from £175,000 to £50,000 and still can’t find a buyer.

And if she is unable to sell she will be forced to move out and won’t be able to afford rent on a new property and the mooring fee, putting the boat at risk of repossession.

She said: “How can someone have the power to completely devalue someone’s property?

“I’ve tried to get help but I keep being told that I have basically no rights.”

She bought the boat in 2010 because she loved the way of life on the water but since then Hundred of Hoo pupil Leonie’s needs have become more complex.

She has mobility problems, autism and severe issues with her sleep cycle meaning that it is exceptionally hard for her to get to sleep and wake up.

All of that means life on the boat has become a daily struggle and Mrs Edwards says it is no longer safe to stay there.

Mrs Edwards added: “If there was a fire I’d never be able to get her off here.”

"How can someone have the power to completely devalue someone’s property?" Michelle Edwards

She is desperate to sell and says if she can’t she will be forced to abandon the boat.

But Mr Swann is refusing to discuss the mooring issue until after the court case is resolved.

He said: “One of the issues we have is people putting in claims when there is no issue with the jetty. If we feel a claim is not genuine and certain individuals living here are backing it then obviously we take a view.

“I don’t have a problem with genuine claims but if there’s no evidence that’s different.

“Mrs Edwards was offered a mooring next door.”

She says this offer was never made and even if it had been the boat is too big and old to risk moving.

Mr Swann confirmed if the claim succeeds the new owners won’t get a mooring unless he’s shown proof there was a fault with the jetty.

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