Director of Elkins Boatyard in Christchurch, Matthew Elkins, found dead

THE director of a long-running family yacht marina in Christchurch was found dead two months after the site went on the market.

Matthew Elkins (57) had run Elkins Boatyard in Convent Meadows, which caters for 18-42ft vessels, for nearly 28 years.

It is understood his body was discovered in water near the premises at The Quay, where the rivers Avon and Stour meet.

As reported in the A&T, Convent Meadows was put on the market for the first time in more than 100 years in January.

Spencers Land Development Services put a minimum price tag of over £8.5m on the seven acres.

It contains a caravan site with 20 chalet pitches, and partial river ownership.

Operations at the boatyard, which has been open since 1960, are being sold separately but will be wound down if a buyer opts not to take them on.

According to information on Companies House, Mr Elkins had served as company director since June 1995.