Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Gareth Thomas (Cabinet Member - Economic Development), Councillor Louise Hughes, Councillor Eryl Jones-Williams, Councillor Brian Woolley (Arthog Community Council), Mr John Johnson (Barmouth and Cardigan Bay Sea Fisheries Association), Councillor Matthew Harris (Barmouth Destinations Improvement Group), Mark James (RNLI) and Llŷr B Jones (Assistant Head Economy and Community Department)  

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

None to note

a)    To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Barmouth Consultative Committee held on 23^rd March 2021

b)    Matters arising

The Chair accepted the minutes of the previous meeting of this Committee that took place on 23 March 2021

Matters arising from the minutes:

·         Feasibility Study - the Maritime Officer highlighted that the result of the feasibility study into proposed dredging works in the Harbour would give a clear picture of what will be possible in the future.  

·         Legislation requirements in the context of the Harbour Development Plan - the Maritime Officer highlighted that Barmouth Harbour was established as a Municipal Harbour under the Council following the requirements of the Pier and Harbour Confirmation Act (1930).  It was noted that the legislation did not force the Authority to develop the harbour, only to maintain it.  The development of the Harbour was a discretionary matter. In addition, it was highlighted that the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009 confers further requirements on the Harbour Authority and compliance was required with this act prior to the consideration of further developments.

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

• To note and accept the report.
• To respond as follows to the Department of Transport Consultation Paper "Strengthening enforcement of the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft”: -

1.    That this committee preferred option 3, namely creating legislation under section 112 of the Railways and Transportation Safety Act 2003 to extend the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and relevant regulations, to include recreational and personal watercraft.

2.    The importance of ensuring training for users and a call to increase the age limit for driving recreational and personal watercraft were emphasised.

The following reports were presented, and members were invited to give feedback on their content and to ask questions.

a)      The Senior Harbour Officer's report, giving a brief update to the committee on harbour matters for the period from March 2021 to October 2021.

The Senior Harbours Officer noted that it was pleasing to announce that it had been a successful year with an increase in the number of visitors and customers reflecting the gradual relaxation of Covid restrictions and barriers to overseas travel.

Attention was drawn to the following matters:

Moorings

There had been 54 boats on annual moorings in Barmouth Harbour in 2021

Staffing Matters

All the staff (harbour and beach) were praised for their service during a busy and very challenging time.  It was reported that they had a proactive attitude and it was pleasing to see good cooperation and safe supervision over the summer.  No complaints had been received. It was added that the staffing situation in the harbour had received detailed consideration and it was proposed that the Assistant Harbourmaster and the Harbour Assistant would be offered a secondment to stay with the intention of advertising the Harbourmaster's vacant post early in 2022. 

Following a very recent review it had been resolved that the Assistant Harbour Master would be promoted to the Harbour Master's post on secondment until 30 September 2022 and the employment period and post of the Harbour Assistant would also be extended until 30 September 2022 with a promotion based on secondment. 

Financial Matters

In response to a question regarding the Harbour's finance, the Maritime Officer highlighted that a brief summary of the Harbour budget and the current financial position would be shared with members in the next few weeks.  It was added that approximately a further £6k was to be spent on maintenance matters, however, the income level this year had achieved the target. In relation to Barmouth Harbour's proposed fees and charges and the Powerboats and Personal Watercraft launch fees for the 2022/23 season, it was noted that the Service intended to amend the fees in line with the rate of inflation. It was also noted that there was a need to consider energy costs.  The Service had not received confirmation of the rates that should be implemented - it was suggested that the information would be available before Christmas. The Maritime Officer to circulate a brief summary of the Harbour budget and the current financial position to members

Feasibility Study - Dredging

It was reported that there would be a need to dredge a volume of 70,000m3 if it was desired to have an appropriate depth within a small area opposite the harbour quay. Members were reminded that a financial bid, with the support of the Cardigan Bay Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), had enabled the Council to commission a feasibility study with an additional £10k to the £35k for a scheme to sample the nature of the mud. It was reported that an analysis and results of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider matters at the request of the Members

Merioneth Yacht Club

It was highlighted that the Club's representative, Mrs Wendy Ponsford would be leaving the area and therefore the Yacht Club needed to nominate someone in her place.  It was reported that Mrs Ponsford had been a member of the Committee for years and her contributions were always enthusiastic and appreciative. Best wishes were extended to her in her new home. The Maritime Officer to send a message on behalf of the Committee to thank Mrs Wendy Ponsford for her service. 

Mr John Smith noted that he would be reporting on the Club's activities until a representative had been formally confirmed. 

Beach buoys

It was reported that it was not practical to install buoys to prevent powerboats to come close to the beach as the buoys themselves would move with the tide and come ashore. It was noted that in the past up to 40 buoys had been installed and a number had been lost.  It could be argued that it would be possible to install stronger / heavier buoys, however, a specialist boat would be required to undertake this work.

It was suggested that as owners register they could be encouraged to stay approximately 100m from the beach.  If there was no compliance then the registration number should be noted and followed up.

Outdoor Swimming

There had been an increase in interest to have an open air swimming resource in the Harbour - a suggestion by the Yacht Club to create a watercraft prevention zone in order to create an all year round swimming area.  It was proposed to hold local discussions to seek to trial the venture emphasising that if buoys were used, they would have to be installed without prejudice and swimmers should take responsibility and dress appropriately.

Motor Cross 2021

It was reported that the event had been successful but a comment was made regarding the timing.  The Maritime Officer to write to the organisers and suggest a date for 2022. The date to then be circulated to Members of the Committee and Barmouth Town Council for observations prior to confirmation.

Sand near the compound

A request to consider a price for the work  - it was suggested that a local discussion should take place to discuss this

To note that the next meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee will be held 22^nd March 2022

22 March 2022.