Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for this Committee for 2016-17.

Resolved:       To re-elect Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams as Chairman of this Consultative Committee for 2016-17.

To elect a Vice-Chairman for this Committee for 2016-17.

Resolved:       To re-elect Councillor Eryl Jones-Williams as Vice-chairman of this Committee for 2016-17.

Apologies were received from Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies (Cabinet Member - Economy), Cllr. Rob Williams (BRIG), Dr John Smith (Barmouth Viaduct Access Group), Cllr. David Richardson (observer representing Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee).  

The following members declared a personal connection for the reasons noted:  

(i)            Cllr. Julian Kirkham – a relation to one of the ferry operators   

(ii)           Mr Martin Parouty – a member of the Yacht Club and a commercial trader in the Harbour  

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee held on 22 March 2016.

(Copy enclosed)

Submitted:     Minutes of a meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee that took place on 22 March 2016. 

Resolved:       To accept and approve the minutes as a true record

4.1       MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Item 2.1 (a) - Wintering Boats

In response to an enquiry from the Chairman, the Harbour Master noted that he had not received any requests for wintering boats on a section of the Council's car park. 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

To consider a report by the Maritime and Country Parks Officer.

5.         REPORT OF THE MARITIME AND COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER

Submitted:       A report by the Maritime and Country Parks Officer updating the Committee on Barmouth Harbour management matters.  

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer guided Members through the contents of the report.  

The Senior Harbours Officer read the report regarding maintenance to members and specific reference was made to the following: 

(a)  Barmouth Harbour

·         In terms of how busy the harbour was, there was stability in terms of numbers with five boats leaving the harbour by the end of 2015/16. The Harbour Master would contact customers to find out why they had left the Harbour.  

·         There was an increase in the number of powerboats and personal water craft registered compared to 2015, and it was pleasing to note that the complaints had reduced regarding personal water craft and there was a consistency in the numbers that had registered.

·         In response to a query from a Member regarding complaints and was this as a result of buoys not being installed? It was explained that through discussion there had been an agreement by the Consultative Committee not to install buoys, however, if this caused concern the position could be reconsidered and it was confirmed that buoys had been installed east of the Railway Bridge.   However, it was further noted that the Service had not received a complaint regarding misuse by powerboats in the harbour.

·         It was added that the Council had formal arrangements and a process to follow when a complaint was submitted and the Service complied with and contacted the appropriate officers when a complaint was received.  

·         In terms of oral complaints, the procedure was explained namely that any complaint would be noted in the Harbour office diary as occurred in every other Council harbour.  Any written complaint would be recorded via the Council's Complaints system.

·         That the Marine Safety Code was relevant to every Harbour and was reviewed regularly.    In January 2017, an external inspector would spend time with the Harbour master to review the code and the systems of all the harbours under the Council's control.

·         During the summer no issues relevant to the Harbour's statutory duties had been raised and it was trusted that this would continue. 

·         Reference was made to the tragedy that occurred in August when two young lads had lost their lives and a tribute was given to Harbour staff, service Staff, the RNLI and the local community for their praiseworthy efforts during this tragic incident.  

·         As a result of the above, a meeting took place with the Dwyfor/Meirionnydd Member of Parliament and other relevant agencies to discuss public safety issues and specifically a scheme for signage in order to try and improve future information to visitors and beach users.

·         One boat broke free from its mooring during strong winds and the Railway Bridge had to be closed for a short period in order to enable the Coastguard and the RNLI crew to pull the boat from the bridge.  It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

(a)            Report on Penrhyn Point Management Plan - Arthog Community Council

(b)            Business Planning (Development Plan for the Harbour)  – Cllr. Rob Triggs

(c)           Dangerous pole and spike in Aberamffra harbour

(d)          Up-date on the sand situation

(e)           Sand  Bags / Gate at top of slip

(f)           Petrol  Fuel Station

(g)          Moorings

(h)          Pontoon Fingers

(i)            Dead Fish 

(Copy of details with regard to (e) – (h) above attached)

(a)  Penrhyn Point Management Plan

Cllr. Julian Kirkham, Arthog Community Council, thanked the Maritime and Country Parks Officer for his assistance and support in overcoming some parking issues at Penrhyn Point. 

However, camper vans of all sizes ignored the 'No overnight parking' sign.  It was noted that someone had turned the sign around so that it was not visible and it was asked if it was possible for the Maritime Service to re-install the sign.  It was further noted that camper vans especially larger ones, had taken to parking in the area above the slipway and ignored the sign and it was suggested that another 'No overnight parking' sign could be placed where the lifebuoy ring was.

It was also understood that the Transportation Department intended to erect 30 mph signs on the road to the point.  Did this mean that vehicles who had parked overnight on the main road were subject to prosecution?   It was added that there were no parking places on the turning area.   One of the members of the Community Council had investigated the by-laws regarding 'wild camping'.

A request was made to the Maritime and Country Parks Officer for a contact point in the Legal Department in order that Arthog Community Council Clerk could contact them to request a meeting and to investigate the possibility for Penrhyn Point to become a 'test point'.

It was noted that Fairbourne Railway agreed that a gate could be installed to prevent camper vans from using the area above the slipway; the Community Council's first objective was to install a gate with a lock and appropriate code, that may be given to bona fide holders for a free licence to launch their boat, having made a request to Arthog Community Council for a licence.   

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer reported:

·         That the Maritime Service had invested in signage and it was agreed to place a gate here, however, an objection was received and this had to be re-considered as the road was the only access to the boat launching site at Penrhyn Point.

·         It was welcomed that the Transportation Department had agreed to erect 30 mph signs on the road to the point.   

·         That overnight parking issues existed throughout the County and it was difficult to control.

·         It was agreed that the Harbour master would erect additional signage on the site before the end of March 2017 and would repair the damaged sign before the end of 2016. 

Resolved: To accept and note the above.

(b)          Business Plan (Harbour Development Plan)

(i)    In response to a query regarding a harbour development plan, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer explained that the Maritime Service did not have the budget or resources to lead on developments.   

The Chairman noted further that the Community Steering Group was considering a wider project and it was premature to discuss a harbour  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

At the request of the Chairman, to receive, for information, a list of Barmouth Services Projects as discussed by the Community Steering Group.

(Copy enclosed)

Submitted, for information, a list of Barmouth Services Projects discussed by the Community Steering Group.

Resolved:       To accept and note the list.

To note that the next meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on 14 March 2017.

Resolved:       It was noted that the next meeting of this Consultative Committee would take place on 14 March 2017