Agenda item

a)    To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Barmouth Consultative Committee held 26th March 2019

b)    Matters Arising

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this Committee, held on 26th March 2019, as a true record.

Matters arising from the minutes:

(a)       Events

It was reported that the activities and key events that had taken place on the beach by FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group) had been successful and had raised awareness.  All who had been part of the arrangements were thanked and any ideas for future events should be sent to Alison Kinsey

(b)    Compound Road

In response to a request by the Committee at the previous meeting to establish suitable control of the site, the Assistant Head of the Economy and Community Department noted that a review of the County's parking order was being undertaken.  He added that a draft list of sites had been identified and Compound Road had been included on that list.  It was highlighted that a Task Group had been established to assist the transport service with the work of analysing the range of options to manage car parks in light of future financial income challenges. It was proposed to give an update on Task Group's work at the next meeting

The maritime department was praised for their work in maintaining Compound Road, however, the way users use the site was deplorable. It was noted that there had been five incidents on the site, however, there was a lack of CCTV evidence for the Police to conduct further enquiries.  The need to restrict the use to a specific group of users was proposed or to consider a future option of paying for using the space.

(c)          Moorings

In response to a minute of the previous meeting that it was necessary to seek the views of users regarding why mooring owners are leaving, it was noted that it was difficult to find any statistic for the reduction in use.  It was added that the situation was similar across the country.

(ch)      Specific facility for jet skis

In response to a suggestion by the Committee at the previous meeting that consideration needed to be given to ways of controlling and providing a specific facility to moor jet skis, the harbour master noted that it would be difficult to designate a site and specific facility for them.  The main barrier was the mud that prevents jet skis from mooring and they could only moor near the slipway or the pontoon at times when the tide allowed. Currently they pushed jet skis onto the beach and parked there.  It was highlighted that jet skis were used most often as a convenient way of reaching the town from nearby caravan sites.  It was added that it was possible to form a landing stage beyond the breakwater, however, in reality this would not be convenient.  It was noted that efforts had been made to try and facilitate provision with no alternative options unless it was possible to dredge the harbour.

It was reported that jet skis did not bring any income to the harbour and if they were launched from a slipway the income would go towards beaches finance. It was noted that many launched from adjacent caravan parks without any firm control.   It was added that a jet ski was not recognised as a boat or vessel and therefore legislation dealing with jet skis was vague.

In response to the observations, the Assistant Head of the Economy and Community Department noted, in accordance with the arrangements, that every jet ski should register with the Council.  A comment was received that it was necessary to work with caravan sites to control/register jet skis and that visits to the harbour were safe with suitable provision for them.  A number of complaints had been received over the Summer which had led to reviewing bye-laws to control jet skis.  It was added that discussions were taking place with the Legal Unit and users.

In response to the comments of the Assistant Head, it was noted

·         Concern that jet ski drivers were drinking and driving

·         That legislation had to be adapted and to seek regulations that were consistent to driving a car 

·         Better cooperation was required between caravan park owners and the Maritime Service to promote safety aspects and responsible conduct on the water.

·         It was suggested that messages should be promoted via the Gwynedd PWC website (jet ski club)

·         That the concerns should be forwarded to the Assembly Member, Dafydd Elis Thomas, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism (Dwyfor and Meirionnydd constituency).