Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Gareth Thomas (Cabinet Member - Economic Development), Councillor Brian Woolley (Arthog Community Council), Mr John Johnson (Barmouth and Cardigan Bay Sea Fisheries Association), Councillor Matthew Harris (Barmouth Destinations Improvement Group) and Arthur Francis Jones (Senior Harbours Officer).

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

None to note.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Barmouth Consultative Committee held on 19 October 2021.

The Chair accepted the minutes of the previous meeting of this Committee held on 19 October 2021.

Matters arising from the minutes:

·         Outdoor Swimming - It was noted that the Outdoor Partnership had suggested that the company 'Swim Wales' should be contacted to discuss outdoor swimming developments in the Harbour. It was explained that the developments would be shared with the Harbour Master or with the Maritime Manager.

To submit

a) a report by the Senior Harbours Officer

b) a report by the Harbourmaster

c) a Dredging Feasibility Study

To note and accept the report.

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 October 2021 to March 2022.

Before beginning it was noted that the Senior Harbours Officer was sending his best wishes to the Committee. He was hoping to be back at work before the end of May. The Committee wished to send their best wishes to Arthur for a speedy recovery. 

Attention was drawn to the following matters:

Barmouth Moorings and Boat Registration

It was noted that all applications had been sent to previous customers and that some had already returned. The online system to Register Powerboats and Personal Watercraft would be launched this week. It was noted that there were delays with the system of confirming a mooring on-line in all harbours; it was added that the system was developing fast and it would be live in March 2023.

Port Marine Safety Code

It was noted that inspections had been held by the Coastguard Agency and that the status of Gwynedd's safety code was confirmed. It was explained that a declaration that had been signed by the Cabinet Member for Economy and Community had been sent to the agency to confirm compliance with the code. The harbours safety code would continue to be reviewed regularly. It was emphasised that the harbours team depended on the input of the Committee members noting it was important to bring matters relating to the safety of the harbour to the Officers’ attention.

Enquiries were made on the results of the National consultation regarding jet skis. It was noted that comprehensive observations had been presented to the Government. It was foreseen that a response would be received from the Government mid-year and these observations would be available for members of the Committee. It was added that members of the Committee were welcome to receive a copy of the Council's response if they wished.

It was reported that the 'Black Rock Blast' event would not take place this year again due to Covid. There was hope it would be held next year. It was noted that this event had provided a robust platform to draw attention to good behaviour relating to power vessels and jet skis. 

An observation was made on the complaints received regarding jet skis where the Maritime Manager dealt with the complaints swiftly; the Councillors were very happy with the result. The Councillors were encouraged to contact the harbours team as soon as possible if they received complaints in order to respond and deal with the situation immediately. It was added that the number of complaints received was low and that many of the complaints were related to a lack of understanding of regulations.  It was hoped that a Police Officer would attend different harbours over the summer period and would go out around the coast. It was noted that revisiting the collaboration that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider matters at the request of the Members.

-       Matters raised by Barmouth Town Council (email dated 4^th of March 2022)

Ramp in Fairbourne

An application was made from a community group for funding to install a ramp to allow Fairbourne residents and visitors to have access to the beach. It was noted that it was unfair that an entrance did not exist. It was added that the Community Council had sought funding; around £50,000 would be needed to fund the cost.

The Maritime Manager noted that he had had discussions with Arthog Community Council Clerk regarding the ramp. He reported that there would be a need for anything added in Fairbourne to be robust and not affect the coastal flow and that it was important to have the appropriate arrangements and rights in place.  It was noted that there would be a need for a maritime licence as it was under the line of mean high water so it was likely that the cost would be much more than £50,000. He added he hoped to meet with Natural Resources Wales after Easter to discuss their requirements on the site.

The Maritime Manager explained that he had submitted an expression of interest in coastal grants but there was no capacity to develop them at present. He noted that he understood the frustration and hoped to have further discussions with the Community Council soon.

Spaces in the compound and managing parking in the compound.

Reference was made to the points raised by Barmouth Town Council’s representative in a previous e-mail. The Maritime Manager noted that he did not have a specific answer to the questions on the above. It was added that there would be a delay on the schemes in place as a new Harbour Master would be appointed and time would need to be allowed for them to settle in the role so there was no specific programme at present. 

Minutes

It was asked who received a copy of the minutes of meetings and whether they had further discussions anywhere. It was reported that the minutes were shared with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Community. The Committee wished to thank the present Cabinet Member for his support over the years. It was added that there was no further discussion in the Cabinet as a result of the minutes of this Committee but the maritime team would bring important matters before the Leadership Team and the Cabinet if needed.

Barmouth 10K Race

The Three Peaks Race Committee Representative took the opportunity to mention the above event that would be held on 9 July and the continuous work to be able to hold the event. It was noted that this was a big event for Barmouth with preparation work in place for years. He added that there would be a need to ask permission to clear the back wall of the Yacht Club car park as a great deal of sand had piled up there. The Three Peaks Race Committee Representative was thanked for his work and hopes were extended that the day would be a success.

The Chair took advantage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To note that the next meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on the 8^th of November 2022.

8 November 2022.