Potential blow for Pwllheli’s economy as sailors flee marina

Apr 28 2011 by Gareth W. Williams, Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

BOAT owners are sailing away from Pwllheli at an alarming rate of knots – leaving a hole in the local economy that totals hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Seventy four people have failed to take up their berths at the town’s marina and all 133 people on the waiting list have hauled anchor and removed their names.

The cost of a berth depends on the size of the vessel, and can vary from between £2,108 to £7,029.

Partly due to this alarming year-on-year decrease, officials from Gwynedd Council, which own the site, met with concerned members of the Pwllheli Marina Bertholders Association last Friday.

During the meeting, Llyr Hughes and Barry Davies from the council discussed various issues, including silting problems which have plagued the marina’s entrance in recent months.

Yachtsmen have previously expressed concern that an accident could happen as the build-up of silt has narrowed the point of entry to the marina.

The council has attempted to help resolve this by dredging more than 50,000 tonnes of material to help the flow of water.

But Max Milton, who was present at the meeting, remains unconvinced at the council’s plans.

He said: “The only conclusion that can be formed is that the council is happy to keep taking the profit from the bertholders, whilst hiding behind environmental issues in solving the lack of water problems.

“Over 50 empty berths means a loss of around £300,000 to the council.

“It’s not facing up to how angry the bertholders are at the restricted access, and believe that the current economic climate is the main reason why boats are leaving the marina.

“It only sees the marina as a cash cow, and for years has failed to reinvest in the town’s best asset.

“It's only a matter of time before Pwllheli harbour becomes un-navigable and the marina is closed to all but small dinghies.

“It was also noted that no elected councillor bothered to attend the meeting, especially as the marina has such an important impact on local finance and employment.

“One could say they’re burying their heads in the silt.”

Ifor Hughes from Pwllheli’s Chamber of Trade said: “It’s a massive talking point in the town.

“How can we have gone from a situation of having 400 people waiting for a berth, to now having over 50 empty spaces?

“I know of people in the town who are talking about mooring in other marinas such as Beaumaris, which will be at the detriment of the town of Pwllheli and Gwynedd itself.

“It’s a disgrace that the situation has reached this point, and it’s the area’s economy that will suffer.”

Barry Davies, Gwynedd Council’s Maritime and Country Parks Officer said: “While there are a number of vacant berths at Pwllheli, the council does not foresee that there will be a further increase in the number of available berths in 2011 and the council is working to making the berths which are vacant available to visiting vessels.

“The present economic climate together with the significant rise in fuel costs is having a significant effect on the maritime industry and the pleasure boat sector is particularly vulnerable to such economic variables.

“The annual budget for Pwllheli harbour, which includes Hafan marina will be reviewed during the coming months.

“Whilst a budget is available for dredging work, additional funding will need to be identified to ensure that traffic can navigate the approach channel within a reasonable tidal window.

“Whilst the recent dredging work will ease the restriction at the harbour entrance, it’s envisaged that additional dredging work will be undertaken in the marina basin and in the approach channel during the next twelve to eighteen months.”

In last week’s Herald, it was quoted that the Pwllheli lifeboat sustained a damaged propeller there some years ago. Robert Wright, Coxswain of the Pwllheli All Weather Lifeboat, would like to point out that the lifeboat has never sustained any damage whist navigating within the harbour.