Agenda item

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

 

(Copy enclosed)

(a)  Before presenting the above report, Alison Kinsey, Coordinator of Cardigan Bay Fisheries Local Action Group, who had requested to attend the meeting, was welcomed and she explained the purpose of FLAG.  The following main points were noted:-

 

·         That there were four groups operational in Wales for the purpose of supporting the fishing industry and communities: St. Dogmaels to Barmouth, Anglesey and Gwynedd, Swansea Bay and Cleddau to the Coast

·         That FLAG received European funding and approximately £160,000 was available until 2020 and it was trusted that this could be used to assist small community led projects.

·         That a strategy had been created based on local need

·         Priority was given to funding projects that: 

Ø  add value

Ø  create jobs

Ø  attract young people and

Ø  promote innovation at all stages of the supply chain from fisheries products

·         Financial revenue support can be offered towards new projects such as:  

project development, pilot projects, feasibility studies, training, mentoring, facilitating and consultation.

 

The officer had visited Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee and as a result of that meeting, members were enthusiastic and positive to hold activities on the quay in Barmouth.

 

She noted that Mr Neil Storkey had been appointed Chair of one of the operational groups, and as part of his office and the fact that a great deal had been learnt from the Aberdyfi Food Festival, this knowledge and experience could be used for the benefit of FLAG communities.   It was trusted that projects / activities could take place on the quay to promote local fishermen especially as this year had been designated the Year of the Sea.  

 

(b)       The report of the Maritime and Country Parks Officer updating the committee on Harbour management matters was presented, and in the author's absence the Senior Harbours Officer referred with specific reference to the following:-

 

 

(i)         Port Marine Safety Code

 

Stemming from the above, a member noted that he was of the opinion that the Inspectors had not visited the Harbour at a busy time such as in July/August, and therefore they had not seen a complete and accurate picture. 

 

In response, the following main points were made:

 

(i)            The Senior Harbours Officer explained that it was not the Maritime Service who had decided on the date and the Inspectors could come at any time and may conduct a second visit. 

(ii)           The Senior Manager – Economy and Community explained the purpose of the visit and noted that the main aim was to inspect the Council's systems and management arrangements, which was quite different to how busy the harbour was.  

(iii)          In terms of the Council's responsibility if an individual tripped and fell over the side of the quay, it was noted that the Council had a statutory responsibility regarding this and it was noted that the code was not statutory and Gwynedd Council was responsible for Harbour Management.   It was added that the Inspectors had considered the Council's management arrangements rather than operational land issues.

(iv)          It was important to note that the Harbour Master cannot be available twenty-four hours a day.

(v)           That a letter had been sent to the fishermen requesting that they keep the harbour tidy. 

(vi)          That harbour staff worked diligently to try and keep the Harbour as tidy as possible, however it should also be borne in mind that it was a working harbour.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

 

(ii)        Navigation Matters 

 

The Senior Harbours Officer noted that he had been in discussion with the moorings contractor regarding the above, and it was trusted that the aids to navigation would be on station within the next few weeks.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(iii)       Maintenance

 

The Harbour Master reported orally on his Work Programme and stated that he had: 

 

·         been working on the aids to navigation

·         dealt with visitor moorings

·         constructed benches on the quay

·         been busy removing many animal remains from the beach

·         worked jointly with the Tywyn Beach Guardians group to clean the beaches

·         addressed general Harbour maintenance before the start of the season 

 

In response to a query, the Harbour Master confirmed that a vehicle would arrive before Easter. 

 

During the ensuing discussion, a Member noted that many individuals were willing to help pick-up litter and it would be useful if there were cohesive arrangements in place for litter collection.

Councillor Mike Stevens, Tywyn Local Member, said that he had requested a litter receptacle for Tywyn. 

 

In response, the Maritime Officer - Beaches noted that the Service had received a flood of requests from different groups and that there was protocol to be followed as the service had only limited resources.   Suitable bins would be arranged for Tywyn in a specified location and it would be appropriate for the Maritime Officer - Beaches to discuss this further with the Street Cleaning Manager regarding arrangements for Aberdyfi.

 

The Tywyn Local Member added that many individuals were willing to clean the beach in Tywyn and such groups should be encouraged to be proactive.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(iv)       Timber Boardwalk

 

The Maritime Beaches Officer reported that the boardwalk would be inspected following the meeting, and arrangements would be made for its repair if this was practicable.  The Harbour Master added that the boardwalk had deteriorated at land level and it was unstable and unsafe. 

 

Several Members supported the need for its repair, and it had been the subject of discussion for many years.   It was proposed that the officers discuss this further with the Community Council in order to consider if it would be possible for the community to contribute towards repair costs as it was such a key structure to maintain the dunes.   The Chairman also noted that it would be useful to discuss the matter further with the Golf Club and the Environment Agency (NRW).  It was suggested that it would be useful when undertaking the repair work to use plastic  structures / stakes.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(v)        Beach Leaflet

 

The Maritime Officer - Beaches referred to the beach leaflet and encouraged Members to forward any comments they had on the contents to him.

 

During the ensuing discussion the following points were highlighted:

 

·         It was suggested that Josh Cooper should be contacted for a photograph of the beach

·         that a section of the beach would be earmarked for any sailing activity 

·         that the 'launching area' should be noted on the leaflet

·         should April - September be noted for the dog exclusion area

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(vi)       Sand Removal 2018

 

It was reported that Jones Brothers Company had been on the site on 12 March 2018 to remove sand, however, there was some concern regarding the foundations of the quay wall.  All who worked in the area in question were informed and further information was awaited from Gwynedd Consultancy / Jones Brothers Company regarding this.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(vii)      Containers

 

Regarding the concern about the condition of several containers used to store sailboarding and canoeing equipment on land adjacent to the Yacht Club compound, the Yacht Club representative noted that the club was willing to work with the Harbour master to tidy-up the land in question and it would be a shame if this facility was lost.     

 

The Chairman of the Consultative Committee noted his wish to see the land tidied-up once and for all, hopefully by the summer season.    There should be guidance regarding what can be stored on the land as well to present a formal agreement to locate a container on the site. 

 

Mr Desmond George asked that the slipway near the lifeboat station be kept clear and KEEP CLEAR (CADWCH YN GLIR) signs would be of assistance.

 

Resolved:       To request that the Harbour Master and a representative from the Yacht Club discusses this matter further and organise to clear the site without delay.

 

(viii)     Staffing matters

 

The Senior Harbours Officer reported that Jack Iffla, Aberdyfi Harbour Assistant, would be leaving his post at the end of the summer season and he took the opportunity to pay tribute to him for his commendable work and service to the harbour.   An advertisement for seasonal workers for June to September would be posted soon on the Council's website.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above and to thank and wish Jack Iffla well in the future.

 

(ix)       Quay Wall

 

Members of the Consultative Committee were reminded that an exhibition and a drop in session would take place at 2.00pm this afternoon and Members were encouraged to attend to see the plans and to ask questions if they wished. 

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(x)        Common Land / Storage - waste

 

Regarding the fishing tackle, Mr Desmond George promised that he was willing to work jointly with the Harbour master and Harbour staff to tidy-up the above area. 

 

The Senior Harbour Officer added that plans were afoot and it was noted that they would do everything they could to clear the site as soon as possible. 

 

The Chairman of the Consultative Committee thanked the Service for organising to clear the site and it was asked if it would be possible to erect a high fence around the land together with a gate to prevent any misuse and illegal disposal again in the future.    

 

In response to the above concerns, the Harbour master promised that he would discuss the request with the Maritime and Country Parks Officer.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(xi)       Fees and Charges 2018/19

 

During the meeting a self-explanatory financial spreadsheet was circulated to Members showing over-expenditure and income deficit and as a result it would be necessary to ensure that the Service identifies alternative income opportunities and reduces possible expenditure during the next financial year. 

 

A Member noted that the inclement weather during 2017 had contributed to the reduction in income and it was trusted that 2018 would be more favourable. 

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.