Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies (Cabinet Member - Economy),  Cllr. Louise Hughes (Gwynedd Council), Cllr.  Rob Williams (BRIG), Cllr. David Richardson (observer representing Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee). 

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

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

(a)          Cllr.  Gethin Williams – member of the Yacht Club and member of the Community Trust 

(b)          Cllr.  Julian Kirkham  - was related to one of the ferry operators 

(c)          Mr John Johnson – had submitted an application to operate a ferry

(d)          Mr Mike Ellis - member of the Three Peaks Race Committee

(e)          Mrs Wendy Ponsford – member of the Yacht Club and member of the Community Trust

(f)           Cllr  Rob Triggs – member of the Yacht Club and member of the Community Trust 

(g)          Mr Martin Parouty – a commercial trader in the Harbour and member of the Community Trust  

(h)          Dr John Smith – member of the Yacht Club and member of the Community Trust

Members did not vote on the matters that dealt with their personal interest. 

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Barmouth Consultative Committee held on 8 November 2016.

(Copy enclosed)

Submitted:     Minutes of a meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee that took place on 8 November 2016.

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

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

Submitted:     The report of the Maritime and Country Parks Officer, Mr Barry Davies, updating the committee on Harbour management matters with specific reference to the following:-

(a)          Marine Safety Code

It was noted that the Safety Code was a live document and how important it was to receive regular comments on its contents in order that it may be reviewed and to ensure that it was relevant to harbour activities. 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above. 

(b)   Navigation

In response to an enquiry by Cllr. Rob Triggs regarding a buoy marking the sea outfall pipe. It was explained that an apology had been received from Trinity House for not contacting the service beforehand and the buoy conformed to requirements and Welsh Water were out of order as they had not informed the Council that they intended to commission work from Trinity House within the harbour boundaries.

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

(c)        Maintenance

Committee Members were asked if they had any concerns or anything that required attention before the Easter holidays and the following matters were noted:

(a)  New sign near Tŷ Crwn

(ii)           The main slipway gate lock needed to be repaired as it could not currently be locked

(ch)      Staffing Matters

(i) It was reported that the contract of the Barmouth Harbour Assistant (seasonal) had ended on 30 September 2016, however, it had been extended over the winter months with the post-holder based in Porthmadog.   It was further noted that the Senior Harbours Officer was off work due to illness and if any problems arose Members were asked to contact the Service in Pwllheli.  

(d)      Operational Issues

(i) A report was received from the RNLI regarding safety signage in the Barmouth Harbour and beach area and via the Chair of this Consultative Committee, the Town Council and the RNLI there would be further discussion regarding what can be achieved by the Whitsun     It was emphasised that they had to be careful with the location of the signs due to the impact of the sand in Barmouth.  In terms of maintaining the signs, it was anticipated that they would have to be removed over winter.

(ii) In response to a concern highlighted by a member whereby a person could fall into the channel in the bath-house area at times of low tide. The Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that the Harbour Master would be requested to inspect the site and consider what types of temporary signage could be erected.   

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

(e)     Moorings -  Three Peaks Race.        

An application has been received from the Three Peaks Race Committee requesting permission to place concrete blocks and trot moorings in the area of the Harbour where there is constant deep water.

A representative from the Three Peaks Race Committee explained how important the race was for Barmouth in terms of public relations and the area's economy as the race attracted competitors and visitors from all over the world.   If Barmouth Harbour was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

a.    Penrhyn Point Management

2. Penrhyn Drive South Slipway
3. Up-date on the Blue Flag status

(a)          Penrhyn Point Management

Cllr. Julian Kirkham reminded the Committee of the increasing parking difficulties at Penrhyn Point with camper-vans who ignored the 'No overnight parking' sign and used the railway tunnel as a toilet.    It was reported that the Community Council Clerk was investigating, in consultation with the Legal Department, of ways to control this type of parking.     

It was asked if it was possible for the Harbour Master when he was in the vicinity to inspect and ensure that the sign was up and was robust.

(b)          Penrhyn Point Slipway

In response to a query made regarding the damaged ramp, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer explained that there was no option but to remove it and he took the opportunity to thank Arthog Community Council for £800 towards the costs.  

(c)          Update on the status of the Blue Flag Award

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer reported that the Service had submitted applications on behalf of the Council and the communities, however, the guidelines now referred to the need for lifeguards on every beach.    It was anticipated that the results would be received in May.

A Member noted that if they had to have lifeguards then the cost would be enormous and it was asked who would be responsible for the cost.

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer explained that if did not manage to be awarded the Blue Flag Award then he did not anticipate that this would have a negative impact on the beaches.

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

To note that the next meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on 7 November 2017.

Resolved:       It was noted that the next meeting of this Consultative Committee would take place on 7 November 2017.