Agenda item

To submit the report of the Maritime and Country Parks Officer.

(a)       A report was presented by the Maritime and Country Parks Officer and the Harbour Manager giving a brief update to the Committee on harbour matters for the period from March 2019 – October 2019. Attention was drawn to the following main points:

·         That a detailed inspection of Pwllheli's navigational aids was to be undertaken by Trinity House Lighthouse Authority inspectors in October 2019. The officers did not foresee any issues.

·         That developments such as a new weather station, web cameras and upgrading broadband improved customers' access to timely information

·         That Parking and Launching companies were launching a number of boats without displaying appropriate PW and PC registration stickers. It was suggested that the Maritime Traders Association representative should discuss with the companies and encourage them to register

·         That Hafan and Harbour customers had welcomed the self-service facility for red diesel fuel. Despite this, following a consultation and the action of the European Union Justice Court regarding diesel fuel used in private pleasure boats, and the decision that the UK would not be able to supply red diesel; it was possible that Hafan would be required only to provide a white diesel supply in the future. If any changes occurred, officers would notify users at once.

·         That maintenance work on the North Quay had become more difficult over the last few years, with a lack of resources, funding and staff to complete the necessary works. Officers were urged to give due attention to the area and to hold discussions with the Highways and Municipal Department regarding the sharing of responsibilities for maintenance work.

·         Reference was made to a brief summary of the Harbour and Hafan's budgets and current financial situation up to the end of September 2019.

·         It was recommended that the Hafan Pwllheli and Outer Harbour fees should be raised by 2% for 2020. The recommendation was accepted.

·         It was recommended that daily launching fees should be increased from £10 to £15.  It was highlighted that launching fees had not increased in over 18 years, and that this increase would be a boost to increasing income. It was reiterated that there would be no amendments to the other fees. The recommendation was accepted with a request for officers to encourage users to register and use the service.

·         The number of boats stored onshore over a number of years had added to the boat storage problem. It was suggested that the situation be reviewed, with consideration given to charging rent depending on the length of the 'onshore stay' period.

·         That the Hafan's accounting system was now based at the Gwynedd Council Income Department, Caernarfon. As a result, it was reported that it would be possible to cancel the additional fee of 5% for the cost of an annual mooring in the Hafan by direct debit payments.

·         That work had now commenced on the new RNLI lifeboat station. It was reported that Wynne Construction was responsible for this development. It was reiterated that this would be a new and exciting attraction for the local area.

·         The British Dragon Association event and the Jester Challenge had been successful.

·         An update was received on Plas Heli events, in which it was reported that 1060 competitors had taken part in events; eight major competitions had been held; and that the Sailing Association had 31 young members (four of whom represented Wales). Eight weddings and 18 funerals / funeral teas had been held; between three and five meetings were held weekly by various associations; 27 members of staff worked there at busy times. It was agreed that Plas Heli was certainly a boost to the local economy. The Pwllheli Sailing Club representative noted that landscaping work had been completed for the beach car park and the quay, along with drainage improvement works; and that three flagpoles were to be moved to the Plas Heli entrance to add colour. It was suggested that more signs were needed to direct visitors / residents to the café.

RESOLVED to note and accept the report.