Agenda item

To receive and consider a report by the Maritime and Country Parks’ Officer.

Submitted:                 The report of the Maritime and Country Parks Officer, Mr Barry Davies, updating the committee on Harbour management matters with specific reference to the following:-

 

(a)  Members were reminded that they needed to submit the constitution and minutes of the annual meeting of the organisations/institutions they represent on the Harbour Consultative Committee in order to ensure eligible membership of the Committee in accordance with the resolution of Gwynedd Council Cabinet in 2014.      The organisations who had not sent the relevant documents were as follows:  

 

·         Aberdyfi Improvements Committee

·         Cardigan Bay Sea Fisheries Association

·         Aberdyfi Boat Club

·         Dyfi Yacht Club

·         Aberdyfi Rowing Club

 

It was understood that Aberdyfi Partnership and Aberdyfi Chamber of Trade did not now exist.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above and these organisations were expected to forward the relevant documents to the Member Support Officer.  

 

(b)  In terms of the numbers of moorings in the Harbour there had been a reduction of one compared to 2016 with an increase in the number of personal water-craft.   The weather had been disappointing and this had had an impact on the harbours across the County, however, it was pleasing to note that boats from Conwy had visited Aberdyfi harbour and it was trusted that they would visit again in the future.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

 

(c)           Marine Safety Code

 

An inspection had been conducted by the Coastguard's Agency and stemming from their report reference was made to minor elements that needed to be addressed in Aberdyfi Harbour such as tidying up around the quay as effects and ropes had been stored on the quay in a way that may pose a risk.    The inspectors will visit the service in a year's time and the intention was to invite members of the Harbour Committees to one central meeting in order to receive information from the inspectors regarding the main issues of the Safety Code.  It was anticipated that the meeting would take place in Porthmadog.

 

During the ensuing discussion the following points were highlighted:

 

·         That Outward Bound collaborated well with Harbour staff with all activities.  

·         A wish to see moorings in the places where they were 15 years ago

·         In terms of safety, it was asked if there was any problem stemming from the use of personal water-craft. 

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer and the Harbour Master responded to the above as follows:

 

(i)            Whilst sympathising with the Yacht Club regarding a space in the estuary as a result of the installation of the moorings, it was explained that the channel was narrowing and the Harbour Master always did his best not to take too much space and the willing cooperation of the Yacht Club was appreciated at all times.   

(ii)           There had been an improvement in terms of problems with personal water-craft and once a national arrangement was accepted, a message could be sent out to all mariners 

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(ch)    Navigation

 

It was reported that the Harbour Master did his best to keep the aids to navigation on station and an assurance was given that Buoy Number 2 would be on station before Easter.  

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

 

(d)          Maintenance

 

The Harbour Master outlined his work programme over the winter period as follows: 

 

·         Repair work at Picnic Island

·         Work on Buoy Number 2

·         Repair of boat

·         Work from now until Christmas placing timber on the wharf

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that the Service had six vehicles, however, there was no vehicle in Aberdyfi or Barmouth.   It was trusted that a vehicle would be available before Christmas and one in Barmouth by the New Year.   The Harbour Master had been using his own vehicle to remove animals such as sheep, porpoises etc, from the beach.

 

With regards to the board-walk across the golf course, there was a need to contact relevant bodies for financial contributions for its repair.   The path had been closed, however it was trusted that work could be done at the start of the New Year.

 

The Chair noted that it was difficult to understand why it had taken so long to get a vehicle for Aberdyfi and particularly when it was needed in rough weather.  Another Member added that the Harbour Master's responsibilities extended as far as Fairbourne and it was essential for him to have a vehicle to undertake his duties.   It was suggested that the matter should be brought to the attention of the Cabinet Member - Economy and to stress the fact that there was a real need for a vehicle for the Harbour Master in Aberdyfi.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(dd)      Staffing Matters

 

It was reported that the partnership with the Aberdyfi Harbour Assistant worked excellently and the employment period had been extended to the end of December.  

 

The Chair took the opportunity, on behalf of the Consultative Committee, to thank the Harbour Master and the staff for their praiseworthy work. 

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(e) Harbour and Grounds Matters     

 

(i)    It was reported that pots were stored on the quay and it was stressed that there was a need for fishermen's cooperation to keep the area tidy for public protection.   In future it was trusted that it would be possible to have a safe space on the common land for storage.   It was also emphasised that commercial users should not park vehicles at the side of the quay for long periods, again because of the safety risk to the public, except for loading and unloading goods or fish.   Arrangements would have to change in 2018 and there might be an arrangement to have a parking permit for them to park in the car park.  

 

During the ensuing discussion the following was noted:

 

·         that pots and fishing tackle were a feature of a working harbour   

·         the importance of having representation from the fishermen's society at this Consultative Committee's meetings.   It was suggested that a representative from the Fishermen's Society should be contacted on behalf of the Committee to ask if it would be possible to nominate an alternate member from amongst local fishermen to attend on his/her behalf if required        

·         that safety issues were vitally important and a number of schemes over the years had borne fruit to try and improve public safety, such as suitable life jackets etc.  It was understood that the Scottish Government supplied life jackets free of charge and it was trusted that the Welsh Government would follow. 

 

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above and to contact a representative from the Fishermen's Society on behalf of the Consultative Committee, to ascertain if it would be possible to nominate a representative from amongst local fishermen to attend the Committee on his behalf when he could not attend the meeting.                         

 

 

 

(ii)           Bathing Waters

 

It was reported that the bathing waters results had improved in comparison with last year, with Cemetery Beach also continuing to be tested by Natural Resources Wales.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(iii)          Safety Signs

 

It was reported that Maritime Service officers had held discussions with Josh Cooper from the RNLI, together with the two local members.   Locations had been agreed to erect the safety signage and it was trusted that there would be a final report before Christmas with the signs in place by 1 April 2018.    In terms of signs in Barmouth, it was trusted that these would be in place by August.

 

In response to a member's enquiry regarding a post that holds the lifesaving buoy in Penhelyg Harbour, the Harbour Master confirmed that it would be replaced.

 

An RLNI representative noted that they publicised the dangers of the sea and the importance of posting signs between Tywyn and Aberdyfi was noted and in particular raising awareness of rip tides.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(f)  Financial Matters

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer guided Members through the financial balance-sheet and noted as follows:

 

·         there was an underspend of £3,264 in staff costs

·         there was an underspend of £11,640 in grounds and buildings costs

·         there was an overspend of £32 in boat and vehicle costs

·         there was an overspend of £1,296 in tools and equipment costs

·         the income target was £5,594 short

 

 

For the end of September 2017 it was noted that the income was £2,283 short.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(ff)       Fees and Charges 2017/18

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that fees would increase by 2% on average for the 2017/18 financial year to meet with the service's budgetary challenge and income target.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(g)        Events

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that it was pleasing to see so many varied activities in the community.  Specific reference was made to a journey in personal water-craft from Morfa Bychan to Aberdyfi during the summer and the arrangements on the day were applauded.   It was trusted that the activities would continue and would take place again next year.    However, it was noted that activities needed to be reviewed as part of the Dyfi Fest and specifically health and safety elements on the quay (bouncy castle).  If Dyfi Fest takes place next year, it was suggested that the operator of the bouncy castle could have an electricity supply from the harbour rather than use a generator.

 

In response to a request to re-locate the weather station as it was situated in the incorrect place on the quay, the Maritime and County Parks Officer suggested that Mr Des George discusses and agrees on a location with the Harbour Master at the first possible opportunity.  

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.