Agenda item

Barmouth Harbour User Group

·         Barmouth Harbour Development Plan

·         Silting / Sand accumulation / Alleviation measures

·         The Public Steps

·         Railtrack and Barmouth Viaduct

Barmouth Town Council

·         Sand shifft

·         Break water

·         Dredging

Meirionnydd Yacht Club

·         Bath House Area Sand

(a)              Barmouth Harbour Development Plan

A wish to draft a development plan was highlighted.  It was accepted that there was no budget to realise and implement the plan, however, it was felt that a plan needed to be put in place to set a direction and plan ahead for the future. Ideally, advice was required on the work that could be achieved and the relevant legislation that need to be considered to dredge the harbour.
It was resolved to ask the Assistant Head of the Economy and Community Department to establish a Task Group to form a 'Mind Map' on what they would wish with an invitation to an officer from Gwynedd Consultancy to attend. 

·         The need to engage with the public was emphasised and give them an understanding of what can and what cannot be done.

·         The following were elected as members of the Task Group - John Smith, Rob Triggs, Alison Kinsey, Peter Appleton, Wendy Ponsford together with key officers.

·         The first step for the group would be to establish a foundation for a development plan giving appropriate consideration to the Port Marine Safety Code Framework.

·         The second step will be to present the development plan to Natural Resources Wales in order that they can contribute and respond to the Plan.

(b)             Public Steps

It was highlighted that an Officer from the Coastal Protection Unit had been called to look at the foundation of the stairs and the Unit had accepted that the foundation was their responsibility.

(c)              Railtrack and Barmouth Viaduct

There was a request for assurance that the gabion boxes near the railway would not be raised any higher before commencing the next stage of work.  It was noted that mixed messages had been reported. It was confirmed that Natural Resources Wales were now responsible for the assessment work.  

(ch)        Movement of Sand

Following the clearance work undertaken in March 2019 to clear sand, feed-back was requested regarding cost and impact.   It was explained that it was possible to include an item on the March 2020 agenda - this will be an opportunity to get a full year's feedback and the real impact of the work. 

(d)             Breakwater

A comment was made that it was necessary to keep the breakwater clear of sand to ensure access to users.  It was highlighted that machinery was available in the Highways and Municipal Services yard that would be suitable to use with the clearance work. 

Observations arising from the ensuing discussion:

·         Suggestion to reconvene the Sand Group.

·         Need to highlight the concerns to the Head of Highways and Municipal Services

·         That the local community was willing to assist with the clearance work

·         The breakwater was a valuable asset for the town - it enabled access to wheelchair users, families with prams etc.

·         The breakwater needed to be clear throughout the year

·         Invite the Tourism and Marketing Manager to the meeting together with members of the Town Council

·         To conduct a discussion with the Highways and Municipal Department regarding using their machinery.

(dd)        Sand near the Bath-house

It was highlighted that the sand near the bath-house was now forming dunes.  The Harbour Master confirmed that he would deal with the situation.