Agenda item

To receive the report of the Senior Harbours Officer

(a)           Update on Harbour Management Matters

 

The Senior Harbours Officer submitted his report, noting the following main points:

-       That the number of boats on the moorings had reduced slightly in 2018, but that the figure was relatively static.

-       That the number of customers had reduced across Gwynedd harbours, which reflected the economic climate.

-       That 53 power boats had been registered in Aberdyfi in 2018, the same number as in 2017.  An increase had been seen in the numbers of power boats registered in Tywyn, from 9 to 14.

-       That the number of personal water crafts had increased across Gwynedd harbours, with an increase from 28 to 50 in Aberdyfi and from 3 to 6 in Tywyn.

-       It was emphasised that the Committee's members were welcome to discuss the Harbour Safety Code with the service.

-       That summer 2018 had been a very busy period, but it was saddening to report that the number of cases of abuse against officers had increased.

-       The service hoped to employ an additional full-time harbour assistant for Porthmadog, Aberdyfi and Barmouth harbours, subject to the funding available.

-       It was expected for harbour fees to increase in line with inflation in 2019, with a small underspend anticipated in the harbours budget.

 

Questions and observations arising from the discussion:

-       Disappointment was noted as power boat fees were expected to increase

-       That the power boat launch area was very inconvenient and muddy, and that it would be beneficial if another slipway could be used.

-       Concern that the number of mooring occupancy had reduced, and the risk that Aberdyfi Harbour was possibly being left behind.

 

In response, the Senior Harbours Officer noted:

-       That the current power boat launch area was the safest location.  Whilst acknowledging that it was an inconvenient site, it was a safe site and no money was available for improvements.

-       That the level of mooring occupancy had reduced across the United Kingdom, and he noted that Barmouth Harbour had seen the largest reduction in Gwynedd. Mooring users tended to move to harbours where better facilities were available. It was possible to consider improving the facilities of Aberdyfi Harbour, however, caution would be needed to avoid harming its character.

 

(b)          Harbourmaster's Report

 

The Harbourmaster submitted his report, noting the following main points:

-       That Aberdyfi Harbour had been inspected by Trinity House on its safety and navigation arrangements, and it was found that appropriate arrangements were in place.

-       That the course of Aberdyfi Harbour navigation channel had narrowed and had moved northwards. This had caused a lot of adaptation work in order to aid navigation and ensure its safety. Emphasis was placed on the importance of contacting the harbour's office in order to obtain up-to-date information about navigation safety. 

-       That maintenance work had been carried out, and he asked for observations on the maintenance programme scheduled for the winter of 2018-19.

-       That safety signs had been placed in Tywyn and Aberdyfi following a detailed review carried out jointly with the RNLI.

-       That the condition of the timber walkway was now beyond repair and that its future was uncertain in the current financial and budgetary climate. Whilst temporary measures were in place to protect the dunes, the service would consider all possible options to protect the path in the future.

-       That the service was still waiting for persons who had items on the common/storage land to dispose of them.  Whilst this was disappointing, discovering that other members of the public continued to dispose of waste materials on the site was a cause of further disappointment.  Work to improve the site would be carried out early in 2019.

-       That work had been done to tidy the quay, with the intention of clearing redundant equipment from the area. More equipment and fishing pots would be moved from the quay in the future.

-       That work had been done to identify the owners of containers that had been located in the harbour area, after concerns had been raised about their condition.

-       That the condition of the Railway bridge, which provided access to Bryn Llestair, had deteriorated in such a way that it had to be closed.  The service was waiting for a structural report on its condition before making a decision on its future.

-       He gave thanks for the assistance that he had received to attempt to resolve the problems that had arisen around the harbour. 

 

Observations and questions arising from the discussion:

-       Harbour staff were thanked for their work over the busy summer.

-       Had navigation problems arisen due to the change in the channel's path?

-       The safety signs installed jointly with the RNLI were praised. It was suggested that information about the rip-tide should be included on the signs in order to bring the hazards to the attention of swimmers.

-       That it was reasonable to take down the signs over the winter so that they were not damaged by the winter's inclement weather.

-       That it was important for the sand dunes on the path leading to the beach to be protected. If it would not be possible to install a new timber walkway, there would be a risk that the gap in the dunes could open up and affect the defences offered by the dunes from the sea.

-       Hoped that the Common/Storage Land would be cleared and safeguarded soon. It was noted that the Sailing Club was offering to help clear the site.

-       Concern was expressed about the condition of the quay wall as its condition had deteriorated further and as it helped protect Aberdyfi from sea damage.

-       That the appearance of the quay was important, as it needed to be attractive to visitors, as well as be safe.

-       That closing the bridge leading to Bryn Llestair, due to its condition, had been supported by its regular users, despite the fact that this had had considerable impact on the activities of Outward Bound Wales. 

-       As the Outward Bound Wales centre was considered to be a school, would it be possible to install a pavement along the nearby road, in order to facilitate access?  He added that this posed a potential risk to the Council if it was found that it had failed to comply with its duties to ensure safe access to schools.

 

In response, the Maritime and Country Parks Service officers' in attendance noted:

-       That the channel's path had been affected by the dry weather, which had reduced the impact of Afon Leri and had returned it to its natural course. He added that the nature of the bar could make access to the harbour difficult, however, it was also becoming apparent that the skills and knowledge of some boat owners did not meet the required standard. Many efforts were being made to ensure that every buoy was in the correct position.

-       That a quote was required from a contractor for the rebuilding of a new timber walkway, before a final decision was made. The need to protect the sand dunes from erosion was reiterated.

-       That it was not easy to manage access to the Common/Storage Land and prevent fly-tipping, and he asked anyone who had any information to contact the Council or the Police.

-       That the Harbourmaster was collaborating closely with the harbour's commercial users in order to ensure a safe and attractive site.

-       The future of the Quay was subject to the Council's new asset plan. It was being monitored and assessed on a regular basis and Gwynedd Consultancy was working on a business case to safeguard it as a part of their flood prevention work. It was not yet clear what the cost of the required work would be; however, when the funding became available, it would be possible to move quickly.

-       Removing the existing bridge leading to Bryn Llestair and installing a new bridge in its place would cost approximately £100,000.  Discussions had been held with Network Rail as the bridge crossed a 'live' railway and there would be a need to collaborate with them in order to complete the work. The service was aware of the importance of the bridge to local users and Gwynedd Consultancy was working on an assessment of the bridge.

-       Tribute was paid to the service's staff for their hard work over the busy summer season.

 

(c)          Harbourmaster's Office

 

The Senior Harbours Officer noted that the existing site of the Harbourmaster's office was unsuitable as the facilities in the building did not respond to modern requirements.  A room was now available in the Dyfi Centre and it was intended to move the Harbourmaster's office there.  Moving the office would mean that the Harbourmaster would have better facilities, as well as a better view over the harbour and better facilities for offering first aid, if required.

 

In response, it was noted that moving the office would deprive a local business of potential space in an area where there was a real need to attract jobs.  However, it was noted that the Harbourmaster's office was small, and it was hoped that the Council would be able to generate income from the current office once the Harbourmaster had moved.