Agenda item

To consider a report by the Senior Harbours Officer

a) Senior Harbours Officer's Report

A report was presented by the Senior Harbours Officer giving a brief update on Harbour matters for the period from March 2018 to October 2018. Following an exceptional Summer, with a significant increase in numbers visiting the area, it was reported that the Service's resources were not sufficient to respond to all the issues and this was highlighted as a high risk.   It was added that one fatal accident had occurred and the response to the Coroner had been implemented.  It was also noted that staff had to deal with very difficult situations and in response to this it was highlighted that a meeting had been organised with the Coastguard to discuss the situation further.   It was reported that the Service was under pressure.

In response to a question regarding the reduction in the number of moorings, it was reported that this was a pattern that could be seen in other natural harbours.  It was added that the industry itself was suffering, but despite the reduction this did not have an impact on the economic benefit when looking at the whole situation e.g. a positive increase was seen in the number of powerboats.  The Harbour Master noted that a change in culture was one reason for the reduction in the number of yachts and the need for power and speed had increased.  It was added that customers needed to 'buy a resource' such as moorings as an item and that the current process was protracted.

To address this it was suggested there should be a way of facilitating payments and a request was made for a report to the next meeting listing the possible options available.

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer added that a review was being undertaken by the Service asking why mooring owners had left and a report on the findings would be submitted (to all Harbour Committees) in March 2019.

In the context of installing moorings, it was highlighted that Barmouth Town Council had considered funding the costs of moorings and they intended to raise money for pontoons. The need to confirm the arrangements for ownership was highlighted and it was suggested that the Town Councillor should meet with the Senior Harbours Officer and the Harbour Master to discuss this further.  In terms of dredging, an operational licence would be required.  As the Council's budgets were tight and were facing further cuts, it would not be possible for the Council to fund the dredging of the Harbour.  It was suggested that the Town Councillor should consult the Maritime and Country Parks Officer to agree on a letter to be sent to Natural Resources Wales to be able to operate.  It was suggested that the community was willing to raise the money.

·         Barmouth community was praised for its willingness to collaborate and to get the best for the town in light of the cuts to Gwynedd Council budgets.  They should be applauded and congratulated on their good work.  

It was reported that the Coastguard Agency's inspectors had been due to revisit the Service in October as a follow-up to the inspection in 2017.  However, due to unexpected circumstances, it was noted the visit had been postponed until March 2019. There would be an invitation to all Members of the Consultative Committee to attend the meeting in Porthmadog.

Members' attention was drawn to the Service's intention to employ a full time harbour assistant to work in Barmouth, Aberdyfi and Porthmadog harbours. In response, it was stated that the service should carefully consider where the posts were advertised and there was also a suggestion to seek apprenticeships.  A request was made for the Service to share the advertisement with the Town Council.

(b) Harbour Master's Report

A report was presented by the Harbour Master detailing navigational, operational and maintenance matters.  Attention was drawn to the need to undertake more work on the following:

·         Barmouth beach safety signage had been successful although there was need for more similar signs in the Harbour due to the increase in the number of people who walk through the Harbour. 

·         That the fishermen's compound needed to be cleared and the area should be re-lined.  It was suggested that a new contract should be created with a condition to keep the site clean.

·         That the Compound Road land could be used for parking.  Clarity was required on who the landowner was and enforcement arrangements needed to be checked.

An application had been made by the Committee for a traffic order on the land as there were 16 spaces available. A parking space could be offered with the Fishermen's Compound for an additional cost.

·         Management of harbour pontoon - A member of the Barmouth Viaduct Access Group to arrange a meeting with the Harbour Master to discuss this further.

·         Winter boat storage  - need to encourage users to stay.  A request for the Harbour Master to get ideas from Harbour users for possible incentives.

·         Events - it was necessary to ensure that the events were recorded by Gwynedd Council Events Manager as successes.

RESOLVED to accept the reports.