to receive verbal reports from Board Members who attend the Harbour Community Forums on behalf of the Board
Minutes:
SH.6/17
The Board received verbal update reports from the Board Members who attended the Harbour Community Forums. The updates were given as follows:
Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary Association (SKEA)
The Board noted that, to date, all attempts had been unsuccessful to reinvigorate the Forum. As a consequence, the Board agreed that SKEA should be deleted from the list of recognised Harbour Community Forums.
Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary Conservation Forum (SKECF)
The Board was advised that one main issue had been raised at the most recent meeting of the SKECF that related to speeding boats in the South Pool Creek. The representative confirmed that this matter had already been reported to the Harbour Office.
South Devon & Channel Shellfishermen
It was noted that an operational Fish Quay meeting had been held recently and had been well received and had resulted in improved dialogue and working relations. Looking forward, it was felt that a more strategic level meeting would be useful and it was agreed that one would be arranged to take place on 4 October 2017 at 6.00pm. It was confirmed that all Board Members were welcome to attend this meeting and the Harbour Master was tasked with booking a venue.
In discussion, Cllr Gilbert advised that he served on the IFCA (Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority) Board and he was happy to provide a conduit link between the Board and Forum.
With regard to the practice of balloons being thrown during the Regatta Crabbers Race, concern had been raised that the balloons were not biodegradable. As a result, the Board agreed that a letter should be sent on its behalf to the Chairman of the Shellfishermen expressing support for the intention of the ban. In addition, a Member advised that he would also raise this issue with the Regatta Committee.
Kingsbridge and Salcombe Marine Business Forum
The Forum representative made reference to safety concerns at Batson Slipway especially during peak times when it became particularly congested with vehicles and pedestrians. Of particular concern was the potential for boats to career down the slipway and it was felt that straps from cars to boat trailers should be doubled up. In recognising the issues, it was agreed that the Harbour Office would give consideration to methods of enforcing safety improvements on the Slipway.
Secondly, the Forum had expressed confusion in respect of parking and restrictions between the Batson Units and the car park. In reply, the Assets Community Of Practice Lead advised that a meeting had been held with the Master Planning consultants who had concluded that car parking would drive solutions in the area. Furthermore, it was hoped that an indicative plan (before costings) would be available in a few months’ time, with one of the key drivers being to create additional car parking capacity.
Specifically regarding the Batson Units, it was agreed that officers would keep the Forum representative aware of progress and officer committed to attending the next meeting of the Forum.
Kingsbridge Estuary Boat Club (KEBC)
The representative advised that he had no issues to report to this meeting.
East Portlemouth
The Chairman advised that he had received a formal request for an additional Harbour Community Forum to be formally recognised by the Board that would focus on issues related to East Portlemouth. In conclusion, the Board agreed to trial the Forum, with the Chairman being appointed as its representative.