Famous floating bar has not been licensed to be in Canning Dock East or trade since January 2015 and was seized by bailiffs this week.

The Liverpool waterfront’s famous floating bar the Planet Bar Lightship has been removed and could be seen on Wednesday afternoon being taken away down the Mersey.

The vessel, built in the late 1950s, was moored in Canning Dock East with an entrance onto The Strand but it  has not been licensed to be in the dock or trade since January 2015.

It was seized on Wednesday amid a dispute over reports of unpaid berthing bills of up to £10,000 and because of safety fears.

The dock is operated by the Canal & River Trust and waterway manager Chantelle Seaborn told the Liverpool ECHO today: “I’m sorry that we’ve had to seize Planet Bar Lightship and prepare it for removal from Canning Dock. It’s not been an easy decision to make.

“Our attempts to resolve issues with the owner around safety breaches and non-payment of monies have not been successful.

“We have tried on several occasions to meet with the owner, including with the help and involvement of Councillor James Noakes.”

The Canal & River Trust told the ECHO it would be moved to a “safe and secure location” outside Liverpool.