FOWEY HARBOUR - PORT USER GROUP

Transcription

1 FOWEY HARBOUR - PORT USER GROUP Wednesday 16th November 2016 Minutes of a meeting of the Fowey Harbour Port User Group held on this day at the Harbour Office, Fowey at Present: J. Staughton (Chairman), Mr. C. Ogg (Vice Chair) (RFYC/POFROC/RNLI), P. Edwards (Golant Quay Users), J. Berryman (Fowey Town Council), D. Hughes (Cornwall Council), V. Trueman (Lanteglos Parish Council), R. Peareth (Lostwithiel Town Council), J. Hambly (Fowey Chamber of Commerce), J. Evans (Fowey River Association), J. Pollard (Mixtow Residents), A. Barr (Castledore Rowing Club), C. Davis (RYA), C. Hoddinott (Fowey Estuary Partnership), Capt. W. Mitchell (Chairman Fowey Harbour Commissioners), Capt. P. Thomas (Harbour Master). In attendance: Apologies: Absent: Mrs. C Hoddinott, Minutes Secretary D. Johns, J. Barker, J. Crapp, G. Slack L. Pinckston, M. Elliott, T. Quail, A. Simmons, A. Kelly, E. Teuton MINUTES Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record. MATTERS ARISING Capt. Thomas gave the following updates on actions from the last meeting: - Fowey Harbour continue to attend workshops and feed into consultations about the SW Marine Plan. No specific feedback had been received from representatives following the last meeting. FHC input aims to ensure the MMO capture the existing activities occurring in the area. It will be a long process and the group will be kept informed of progress. - The subsidence to the bank at Penmarlam has been investigated and no further action will be taken unless further feedback is received. - The owner of the redundant pontoon on Grid Irons shore has been contacted and removal will be undertaken by them, although unsure of timescale. The land is owned by Boconnoc Estate and Capt. Thomas will involve them if necessary. REPORT FROM FHC Financial Situation Report Capt. Thomas reported that restructuring has occurred within the organisation to make it more efficient and economic, this has been necessary due to downturn in commercial trade with 70% reduction in income seen in this sector in the last 10 years. A new business model has been created and this is enabling accurate profit and loss

2 predictions to allow prudent re-investment. FHC should be close to a break-even situation financially for 2016 which is pleasing compared to expectations earlier in the year. The FHC Board continue to support a strategy to develop the leisure side of the business. Tonnages for 2017 are forecasted to be similar to this year. There has been some diversification from the core business to provide Marine Services as a way of generating income. Vessels, Tug Masters and Crew are chartered to 3 rd parties in neighbouring ports and this has proved successful. Workforce numbers have remained broadly unchanged, we are pleased to have been able to offer permanent employment to 2 apprentice engineers following their 3 year apprenticeships. Review of new initiatives for 2016 season - Mixtow Marine, our engineering workshop at Penmarlam, is operating at capacity and another engineer has been employed. Demand for services is high as it is convenient for customers, especially those with storage in the yard. We have secured dealerships for Honda Marine and Highfield Ribs, both are doing well. There is still potential for growth at the site and we are investigating increasing our indoor storage capacity by stacking boats in the shed. This is especially suited to the sports boat market which continues to grow. - The fuel pontoon was operational from May, FHC took ownership of the previouslyowned RNLI tank and installed a sales point for 24 hour fuel sales. The pump price has been kept competitive and as a result we have seen an increase in leisure traffic, especially motor cruisers with positive feedback from them about the facility. It was also been well-received by the commercial sector. 50% of the installation costs have been recouped since May. - The purchase of the second pilot boat Gallant in February was unforeseen but an opportunity taken by the Board for the Marine Services part of the business. As a sister ship to the Gribbin there is commonality between the vessels for maintenance and spares. The purchase resulted in some negative comment from stakeholders but we are pleased to report that 120% of the cost of the vessel has been recouped to date, through charter contracts in Plymouth, Cattewater, Falmouth and the Naval Dockyard which will become regular contracts. Other FHC matters - The swim float at Readymoney has finally been replaced, the previous one being removed after safety concerns. The new float was well used this season. We have been advised that the Bathing Water Quality Status for Readymoney has been increased from Good to Excellent as a direct result of FHC involvement in the Beach Champion scheme, this is especially pleasing as improvement has been made despite standards becoming stricter. - The FHC dredger Lantic Bay has undergone extensive maintenance and replacement of hull plating as a result of electrolysis to the hull. This work was done in-house with small amounts of manpower, the cost is in the region of 60K but this would have been considerably more if work was contracted externally. This reinforces the value of Brazen Island and the skilled workforce there in.

3 - The tugs remain an important part of business, with one tug almost permanently berthed in Plymouth to fulfil charter requirements there. The Morgawr is currently undergoing an engine overhaul and both tugs are due for dry dock surveys next year. They are serving us well but the FHC Board are drawing up a long-term plan of replacement. Future Plans Improvements continue to be made but are limited by levels of investment available. Current projects include: - Extension of Mixtow pontoons with a modular pontoon to be installed along the foreshore, linked to the quay to free up space for visitors on the main pontoon. It is hoped that this will encourage better use of the designated car parks. This should be in position for Easter. - The visitor pontoons at Pont are coming to the end of their life, their construction needs to be suitable to withstand their relatively exposed position and the cost of new pontoon is about 1K per metre. FHC will be undertaking construction of replacement pontoons (1 per year) to save costs. - Overnight berthing was offered at Berrills Yard pontoon this year, this was well received but not as popular as expected. There are plans to install shore power and install a toilet and shower block at the top of the pontoon. FHC do not want to compete with club facilities but feel yachtsmen need more choice of facilities which may be more convenient. As a result of generous donations from the public, CCTV coverage will be improved at Berrills Yard and this will be incorporated into the shower/toilet building plans. - Brazen Island is often under-appreciated, the EU funding bid for improvements was not successful but the need is still there. The Board have a strategy to fund these improvements for the slipway and cradle, workshops and other infrastructure. James Staughton asked about other funding opportunities to which Capt. Thomas replied that Trust Port status causes issues with funding, also the admin involved in administering the funding can be a disincentive. - Regatta Week this year saw disappointing visiting numbers afloat, although good spectator feedback about the in-harbour racing. FHC appreciates this was likely weather-related but feel that the lack of Red Arrows also played a part. The Board have instructed Capt. Thomas to look again at the situation with the Red Arrows for next year although the decision made by the Regatta Committee for 2016 is understood. Any updates will be promulgated. The Chairman asked for any questions on the above report: Chris Ogg asked if the 2017 mooring prices had been set. Capt. Thomas replied that the Board will decide at their November meeting but the recommendation is for a rise broadly in line with inflation. Chris added that similar good feedback had been received about fuel and berthing arrangements and the RFYC pontoon had been well used. Improvements in RFYC showers are planned for 2018, their current 1 charge does not cover water and electricity costs let alone cleaning and requested the price at Berrills Yard to be equivalent to other facilities.

4 James Staughton asked about overall yacht number statistics, Capt. Thomas said yachts numbers were similar to last year but night stays are up considerably, something which we hoped to encourage and is promoted by the successful Port Guide. Due to the geographical position of Fowey we cannot expect large variation in visiting numbers as many are on passage along the coast or weekend visitors from Plymouth and Falmouth. Chris Davis added that numbers of leisure users, especially yachtsmen are down and he is encouraged by the initiatives being taken to encourage sports boats. He agreed that provision and quality of shore side facilities are crucial in visitor feedback. David Hughes commented that the retention of apprentices and the Beach Champion scheme are both good news stories which should be celebrated in the media. James Staughton agreed. John Berryman was keen to know more about the Regatta Week plans and Fowey Town Council would be happy to work with FHC on this project. Justine Hambly agreed. Vic Trueman asked about improvement to Polruan pontoon which has become increasingly congested, especially with hire boats. Capt. Thomas said there had been new restrictions for tenders on pontoons this year but recognises this needs further management. Capt. Thomas to investigate further signage and better instruction of users by hire boat operators. STAKEHOLDER S FEEDBACK Alistair Barr (Castledore Rowing Club) the walkway south of Golant Quay remains unsafe. Capt. Thomas recognises this and will refer to his Deputy for action. Replenishment of sand on beaches was raised at the last meeting, Capt. Thomas advised that this will happen at the start of next season. A mooring buoy at Sawmills was underwater and causing a hazard. Capt. Thomas to refer to his Deputy. David Hughes (Cornwall Council) Cornwall Local Plan to be formalised imminently, this will give Local Councils relevant powers. This includes the Mineral Safeguarding Policy of which an area of Fowey Docks applies. Any comments on this to be made to David. Parking on Passage Lane is causing disruption and potentially impacts on emergency services, the issue is being pursued within the Council. Chris Ogg (RFYC/POFROC/RNLI) visiting club bookings for 2017 are looking good. The Regatta sailing is always a balance between competitors and spectators, Regatta entries for 2016 were down on the previous year but this trend has been seen nationally. They would be supportive of any plans to regain the Red Arrows. RNLI Fowey Lifeboat Day will be 5 th August. John Berryman (Fowey Town Council) an application has been made to Cornwall Council to take over ownership of the buildings and land at Readymoney. They have been approached by businesses keen to develop at the site and part of this would be

5 taking responsibility for the toilets. David Hughes added that Cornwall Council had offered the site under the 10 year Pop up Shop scheme. John has no further information on the main car park toilets, there has been no allocation made in their budget for them. They will continue to manage Town Quay and Caffa Mill toilets and these are heavily subsidised despite the charging system. Capt. Thomas added that FHC are looking to restore a toilet facility at Whitehouse. Jon Evans (Fowey River Association) the salmon hatchery located at Colliford Dam has been reopened with SWW funding. John Pollard (Mixtow Residents) improvements at Penmarlam are positive, is there extension planned? Capt. Thomas replied that the site would benefit from more land to improve supporting facilities such as car parking but an agreement on cost cannot be found with the landowner. Peter Edwards (Golant Quay Users) thanks to FHC for new bait digging signage at Golant which has been well received. Capt. Thomas said he would welcome feedback on the effects of the signage on this activity. The Chairman raised the following points from representatives who could not attend the meeting: John Barker (Licenced Boatmen) had seen a lot of speeding boats on the estuary and Harbour Patrol seemed not always to respond. Capt. Thomas replied that Patrol teams are not always authorised for a blue light response which is primarily for incidents where public safety is at risk. Speeding boats are often intercepted and educated later rather than a reactive response. Capt. Thomas added that there had been incidences of personal water craft (jet skis) speeding at St Winnow, this has been dealt with by the Police. Vic Trueman added that there had been an incident with the Mevagissey-Fowey Ferry s wash swamping small boats in the harbour entrance. Capt. Thomas said he would raise the issue with the operator. Jeremy Crapp (Fowey Gig Club) the mooring at Caffa Mill can still have an impact on entry and exit to the slipway. Capt. Thomas will refer issue to his Deputy. Claire Hoddinott (Fowey Estuary Partnership) all works occurring below the mean high water mark should be referred to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) planning team even if only scaffolding onto foreshore. An information sheet with contact details was distributed. Capt. Thomas has been approached about a winter wrasse fishery in the estuary where live wrasse would be caught in pots, they are transported live to Scotland where they are used to control pests on farmed salmon. Robert Peareth (Lostwithiel Town Council) linked to his role in flood prevention, should FHC be notified if large trees are seen floating in the upper estuary? Capt. Thomas replied that fallen trees are an expected hazard and there is no need to make a special effort to notify, unless there is an obvious and immediate hazard.

6 ANY OTHER BUSINESS John Berryman said Fowey Town Council received a presentation from SWW about works at Passage Slip and Town Quay. Capt. Thomas said there was potential for the work to impact the Christmas Market and there have been implications for Berrills Yard car park customers. Claire Hoddinott advised that a trial of Temporary Flood Defences is being held by the Environment Agency on 24 th November and will focus on Town Quay and Albert Quay. Temporary structures will be deployed, improvement works have already been carried out with non-return valves being fitted to outfalls to prevent flood water backing up drains. Capt. Thomas added that these structures would be a stock-piled resource and the EA have already said they may not have the resources to mobilise in a real situation. Peter Edwards asked about CCTV and Wi-Fi coverage for Golant. Capt. Thomas replied that this is a cost/benefit scenario and with the great work of the Golant Boatwatch maybe the need isn t there, also with the expansion of the 4G network, there may be future new-tech solutions to provide coverage more affordably. The Chairman wished to place on the record his thanks to Chrissie Cheshire for her work administering the group over many years. Capt. Thomas explained that she had taken early retirement but that he would pass on thanks on behalf of the group to her. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be on Tuesday 25th April 2017 at There being no further business, the meeting closed at 1530.