Agenda item

To receive updates from the Harbours Manager and Bridport & Lyme Regis Harbour Master.

The Harbour Master presented an update on operations at Bridport and Lyme Regis Harbours.

 

At Bridport Harbour, season ticket sales appeared lower than in previous years, although this was attributed to changes in the charging structure. Single launch numbers were also slightly lower, reflecting revised charging arrangements. Despite this, shop sales had exceeded the totals achieved during the previous year.

 

At Lyme Regis Harbour, season ticket sales had similarly reduced when compared with previous years. However, single launch activity had increased and shop sales had again exceeded previous annual totals. Current mooring occupancy levels remained healthy.

 

Members were advised that the prolonged period of good weather had supported steady harbour usage throughout the season at both locations.

An update was provided on staffing. Several staffing changes had taken place since the previous meeting and the Harbour Master thanked the outgoing members of staff for their service. All vacant harbour positions had now been successfully filled and staff had completed, or were undertaking, the necessary training programmes.

 

An update was provided on anti-social behaviour issues. Harbour staff continued to work closely with Dorset Police to address incidents and CCTV cameras had been installed in areas where problems had been identified.

Members also noted the introduction of a mobile fuel service at Bridport Harbour, which enabled petrol and diesel to be supplied directly to customers around the harbour.

 

In relation to dredging, officers were working with the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management team to secure a dredger for works planned in March.

 

At Lyme Regis Harbour, a different approach to dredging was being explored. This would involve the use of mini excavators and dumpers to remove material from the pontoon area and return it to the adjacent beach. The works were intended to be carried out in early 2027.

 

The Committee further noted that representatives from both harbours had attended the Melplash Show.

 

Officers provided the following responses to members questions:

 

·       It was confirmed that all risk assessments were up to date following the installation of the fuel pontoon.

·       Following the potential Improvement Notice issued in August, harbour staff would look into whether this could apply to the other two harbours and act accordingly.

·       Scheduled works had been delayed due to difficult accessibility and the option of replacing it was also being explored.

·       It was planned that the kiosk would be open year round.

 

 

The Harbour Manager presented an update on Weymouth Harbour operations. The harbour had experienced a busy summer season, with marina occupancy and demand remaining steady throughout the period. Income from visiting vessels was reported to be higher than forecast, with particularly busy weeks balancing quieter periods. Permit revenue from the slipway had also increased. Bridge lifts, vessel movements and harbour transits had all increased, indicating healthy levels of activity. Non-resident fishing vessel visits had reduced, largely due to changes of a single user taking up a permanent berth in Weymouth.

 

Members received an update on events and visitors. The Seafood Festival had returned to the harbourside and had been well received by both residents and visitors, generating strong footfall. Plans were also being discussed for an RNLI event to be held the following summer.

 

The Committee was informed that 64 incidents had been recorded since the previous update. The majority had been low-risk, localised incidents. The harbour had secured its first successful prosecution since the introduction of the General Directions, relating to a speeding offence. A second prosecution had been adjourned until 2027 as a direct consequence of court case backlogs.

 

Anti-social behaviour continued to be an area of focus, particularly incidents involving individuals jumping from harbour structures and swimming within the harbour. Several minor pollution incidents involving oil and fuel had been investigated. None of these incidents had met the threshold requiring formal notification.

 

An update on maintenance and infrastructure projects was provided. Replacement railings had been completed ahead of the Seafood Festival. Resurfacing works to the cargo stage had not been undertaken during the summer due to the risk of disruption to events and would now take place during the winter period. The replacement of the Stone Pier railings had also been completed.

 

It was explained that the recent survey of the sand jetty had found the structure to be fit for continued use. However, a number of wooden pilings had been identified for replacement. While these did not form part of the main structure, they were considered important for the protection of vessels using the facility.

 

Officers provided the following responses to members questions:

 

·       A meeting was being arranged to discuss ways of continuing and improving on events held in the harbour in the future and members could attend these if they wished.

·       It was intended that data for incidents in Bridport and Lyme Regis would be brought to the committee, however it was considered best to do this annually, in order to get a larger and more useful data set.

·       The increase in slipway usage was largely due to water sports in general, rather than specifically jet skis.

·       Highways had confirmed that the sump underneath the Town Bridge was in operational condition.

·       The artisan markets generated income, which went directly to the harbour.

·       Users of the marina were not able to live on-board permanently and harbour staff conducted regular patrols to monitor this and would communicate with anyone who may be in excess of the 30 allowed nights aboard their vessel.

·       The harbour team would explore the viability of offering an educational course as a measure before prosecution, where offences warranted it.

 

The committee noted the updates from all three harbours.