To note any
items which are urgent business in the opinion of the Chairman so that they may
be considered
Minutes:
Update on Quay
Wall and Picnic Island (Bryn Llestair) bridge projects
Aberdyfi Quay Wall
Owain Griffiths
(Chief Engineer, Gwynedd Consultancy) was welcomed to the meeting to provide an
update on the quay wall project. It was reported that having received three
tenders for the work the Unit had followed the process of assessing the
applications and was in the process of offering the work to a company
specialising as a Marine Contractor in Civil Engineering called Teignmouth
Maritime Services Ltd (TMS) from Devon.
It was accepted
that the process had been long, however, a letter had by now been received from
the Welsh Government confirming the grant terms together with match funding
from Gwynedd Council to pay for the work.
It was highlighted that the next step would be to set an amended
programme and to fully discuss the business case period with the company. It was noted that there was no specific date
to commence the work, however, once the amended programme is to hand the
information would be released. It was confirmed that the funding was secure and
the company had already visited the site and had met some stakeholders. It was added that YGC's wish was to establish
one group to engage with the community that will meet virtually once a month to
discuss matters relating to the project - it was intended to hold the first
meeting in April.
Following the
ensuing discussion, the following observations were noted by members;
·
The news was
positive and was to be welcomed
·
It would be wise to have the Aberdyfi Community
Council Clerk as a member of the community group
·
A work programme
should be drafted and prepared for the pre-commencement period - it was
possible to organise stores, move equipment and prepare access - suggest a
period of approximately 6 weeks.
·
It would be necessary to consider the impact of
the work on the local economy - the work was likely to be implemented during
the busy period / school holidays. If
funding was in place was it not better to wait to have less disruption and
impact on the community?
·
The prices of equipment, steel, fuel and
resources were increasing
·
Heavy plant
transporting steel would disrupt movements in the town - it was necessary to
prepare for this
In response to a
comment about delaying the work, it was considered that it would be better to
implement it as soon as possible as starting on the work in the Autumn months
would be at risk from harsh weather and an increase in the costs of resources.
It was added that concerns already existed regarding the purchase of equipment
(sheet piles) to create a foundation - this was the matter that would determine
when the work would commence. It was
ensured that the concerns were being considered, however, it would be prudent
to continue and deal with any matters as they arise.
Picnic Island (Bryn
Llestair) Bridge
Mr Barry Davies
(Maritime Service Manager) highlighted, despite the delay, that it was proposed
to complete the work in 2022. It was
noted that the work was being funded by contributions from Gwynedd Council,
Outward Bound Wales, FLAG and Network Rail, however, by now the cost of steel
had increased significantly and therefore the budget was short of approximately
£30k. It was suggested that further
discussions should take place with the partners to find a way of trying to meet
the financial deficit. The Chair noted that the media were eager to produce a
programme on the work as there was interest and enthusiasm in the local community
to complete the work.
The officers were thanked for the updates.