Agenda item

To receive a verbal update on matters relation to Plas Heli, by the relevant representative.

A verbal update on Plas Heli matters was received from a representative of Pwllheli Sailing Club. Attention was drawn to the following matters:

There was anticipation for a busy season in the harbour with eight major events taking place at Plas Heli. Great pride was taken in having groups warming up for those events on weekends at Plas Heli, noting that it was pleasing to see the site busy every day.

It was confirmed that preparation and maintenance work was ongoing, noting that the site had been the subject of an inspection and report by Walcon Marine on the condition of the moorings. It was noted that the audit had resulted in a list of recommendations that would be carried out by Walcon Marine. It was elaborated that the costs of some of these operations were in the region of £5,000. Similarly, it was explained that an electrical certificate had been issued for each pontoon, at a cost of around £5,000.

Reference was made to community events noting that a request had been received to use the site for the 'She Ultra' registration sessions and as a starting and finish point. It was explained that this event was being held in April with around 3,500 people expected to be involved on the site. Similarly, it was noted that the site was being used for the start and finish of the Llŷn Rally at Plas Heli in March, confirming the expectation for the site to be vacated and cleared by 8am following the event. Reference was also made to an event being held for commercial fishermen on site, where meetings would be held and educational and medical stands available. It was pointed out that various other meetings were being held on site and pride was expressed that the staff at Plas Heli had had the time to refurbish some rooms and convert an office into an additional meeting room for public use.

It was reported that the plan was to install a new parapet on the balconies of the building. It was noted that this work was essential because of rotten timber. It was elaborated that work was being carried out to raise the balcony to replace its foundations to match the rest of the building, while this work was being completed. It was confirmed that this work was nearing completion.

Assurance was given that landscaping work was ongoing to ensure that the appearance of the site improved year on year.

Concern was expressed that tractors were transporting boats to the beach past the main entrance and car park of the site creating health and safety problems, in case people would be using the same route for launching personal boats and the use of motorised trailers in the same way. It was confirmed that a large stone had been placed near this entrance to the beach to deal with this.

During the discussion, the following observations were noted:

It was explained that a trial had recently been carried out with motor trailers, where they were remotely controlled, by a company that had been in contact with the Beaches Team for permission. It was recognised that Plas Heli should be included in similar consultations and schemes in the future. In response to these observations, a representative from Pwllheli Sailing Club confirmed that this trial would have been carried out by using the service road for safety, and to save the grass landscaping from being destroyed. However, it was evidenced that people were constantly passing the main entrance of the building and the car park resulting in the stone being placed at the beach entrance to stop them.