Agenda item

To submit the report of the Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour Manager.

Resolved:

1.     To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion, except for the Harbour dredging matters, as those matters will be discussed in an informal meeting on 18 March 2026.

An update on harbour management matters was received from the Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour Manager.

The harbour performance data was detailed, confirming that the numbers of Mooring Contracts had remained relatively consistent with recent years. It was explained that some moorings had been lost at the beginning of the current financial year due to a build-up of mud and silt in the harbour, confirming that it was likely that some moorings would be lost soon. It was noted that the plan was to open different areas for moorings to respond to this emerging situation, and to ensure that officers continued to monitor the situation.

Mooring customers were thanked for completing a satisfaction questionnaire recently. It was pointed out that officers were aware that there were difficulties at present with the depth of the channel and the need to plan and carry out dredging work in the harbour, noting that this satisfaction questionnaire reflected the need for that due to the level of satisfaction being lower than in recent years. It was also noted that the level of satisfaction of mooring customers with the pontoons had also fallen this year. An update was given that new external pontoons had been installed since the submission of this report. It was explained that some aspects of the questionnaire falling under the responsibilities of the officers such as staff factors, were on the rise, with pride taken in the fact that the customers were satisfied with the work being carried out by the harbour staff.

It was reported that the harbour had undergone an inspection by Trinity House to inspect navigational aids and records. Pride was expressed that the audit had showed that the harbour arrangements were satisfactory and efficient.

It was noted that a written update had been submitted within the report on harbour dredging issues, and it was agreed to discuss those issues at an informal meeting of this Consultative Committee, scheduled for the afternoon of 18 March 2026.

An update was given that work was being carried out to refurbish Ystafell Erch at Hafan to transform it into a lounge for those with a mooring on the harbour. It was acknowledged that the work was more extensive than anticipated but it was confirmed that work was being carried out quickly to install central heating, install new doors and windows as well as new floors to modernise the building.

It was confirmed that tenders had recently been invited for the cleaning provision, in line with the procurement requirements. It was shared that Mynydd Cleaning & Maintenance Ltd of Porthmadog had been appointed in the hope that they would take over the cleaning provision from 23 March. It was elaborated that officers had recently had an initial meeting with the company and were proud that the arrangement was a very positive one.

Staffing issues were detailed and it was explained that a review of Hafan staffing structure had recently been undertaken in consultation with the HR service and the trade unions. It was emphasised that no individual had lost their job, that a pay rise had been identified for some roles and that some team members had moved internally to new roles. It was pointed out that the hope was to appoint to two additional posts very soon, namely Project Manager and Operations Assistant. It was noted that current staff had been informed of these posts and been considered to fulfil the roles when undertaking the review of the staffing structure.

During the discussion, the following observations were noted:

It was noted that the fact that more officers were being employed to assist with harbour matters was a matter of gratification. It was elaborated that harbour services were maintained 7 days a week and that it was essential that sufficient staff were available to assist to ensure that the best service was always provided.

It was highlighted that the Hafan postal address took visitors to the nearby industrial estate, rather than to the maritime area. It was hoped that the responsibilities of the new Project Manager would enable us to build on the feeling of welcome to the Hafan area and inform visitors earlier that they were in a maritime area. The possibility of adjusting the Hafan postcode to be different to guide visitors to the correct place was discussed and the Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour Manager noted that initial steps were being taken by the Planning service to adjust the postcode.

In response to an enquiry regarding who was allowed to use the new lounge in Ystafell Erch, the Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour Manager confirmed that it could only be used in the short term by individuals with moorings. However, it was noted that officers were aware of comments that the harbour was not doing enough to engage with the town and it was considered that the use of this lounge could help towards improving that relationship. In response to a further enquiry, the Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour Manager confirmed that the budget for refurbishing the lounge was funded from the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Observations were received that opening the room for public use could lead to difficulties, but it was agreed that not enough potential barriers had been raised to justify not going ahead with arrangements.

Resolved:

To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion, except for the Harbour dredging matters, as those matters would be discussed at an informal meeting on 18 March 2026.