Some notes taken by Robin Powell (Chairman BH Users Association) at the Public Meeting held in the Bembridge Village Hall on Tuesday 31st January 2012.
Introduction - Malcolm Thorpe (MT) introduced his wife Fiona and the rest of the BHIC Staff.
Dredging - top objective is to get dredging done. Graham Hall had agreed to help as a local advisor. Licence applied for, application reference ML/2012/00053, should be able to monitor progress. Time scale unpredictable, but hoping for mid-March. Areas included in the licence are Fishermans, Bembridge Marina, Visitors Pontoon, Redwing Pool, BSC & BHYC. Said that he would like to go to a depth of 2 metres below chart datum (i.e LW Springs) where possible.
Bembridge Marina & Fisherman’s Refurbishment - to commence soon.
Much help given by BHT and BHUG (and others) that had been very helpful.
Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) - had already employed a Consultant whose report had highlighted the requirement for the Harbour Office to have a list of every boat in the harbour along with the owners names and tel no. Mentioned Ouzo loss as prime example of need for contacts.
Houseboats - thinks that ways exist to provide sewerage facilities; hopes to establish a representative group and hold a meeting with Houseboat Owners at 09:00 on 22nd February. No longer any Jersey involvement/interest.
Palmer Memorial - being given back to Parish Council.
Communications - wants to significantly improve communications; plans to produce a Monthly newsletter ‘On the Wind’. Keen for input from local sources businesses etc. Wider news document at Easter and in time for Southampton Boat Show.
Bembridge Harbour Advisory Group (BHAG) - setting up advisory Group, needs nominations. First meeting to be held at 09:00 on 21st February; then very 2 months. First two to be chaired by MT, then possibly the chair to move to an independent chairman.
Community Surgery - every two weeks; first on 7th February; next on 21st February (both at 14:00 - 17:00).
Financial Transparency - Public meeting within 2 months of financial year end to report on financial activity etc.
Harbour Dues 2012/2013 - at 2010 rates and to be actively pursued.
Mooring Charges - at 2011 rates.
Final Comments - knows we have heard it all before but primary objective is stability; thinks it will take him 2 to 3 years to straighten things out. Many thanks for coming.
Questions
Michael MacInnes (Chairman BHT) - welcomed the Thorpe’s and thanked them for openness etc
Chris Wrenn - about commercial return
Someone from Seaview - how did he see it looking in 10 years time? Answer: There would be some small development around harbour for industry & to provide jobs.
Martyn Davies - re Dredging. Answer: repeated info given earlier.
Deirdre Hicks - where would dredging spoil go? Answer: to the Nab dumping ground.
Meeting closed after about 35 Mins.
Introduction - Malcolm Thorpe (MT) introduced his wife Fiona and the rest of the BHIC Staff.
Dredging - top objective is to get dredging done. Graham Hall had agreed to help as a local advisor. Licence applied for, application reference ML/2012/00053, should be able to monitor progress. Time scale unpredictable, but hoping for mid-March. Areas included in the licence are Fishermans, Bembridge Marina, Visitors Pontoon, Redwing Pool, BSC & BHYC. Said that he would like to go to a depth of 2 metres below chart datum (i.e LW Springs) where possible.
Visitors & Visitors Pontoon - needs to have more visitors (Bembridge had around 4,500 in 2011 whereas Yarmouth had 12,000). Lengthening the Visitors Pontoon is therefore under active consideration.
Bembridge Marina & Fisherman’s Refurbishment - to commence soon.
Much help given by BHT and BHUG (and others) that had been very helpful.
Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) - had already employed a Consultant whose report had highlighted the requirement for the Harbour Office to have a list of every boat in the harbour along with the owners names and tel no. Mentioned Ouzo loss as prime example of need for contacts.
Houseboats - thinks that ways exist to provide sewerage facilities; hopes to establish a representative group and hold a meeting with Houseboat Owners at 09:00 on 22nd February. No longer any Jersey involvement/interest.
Industrial Development - some industrial development (which will increase employment) on the south of Embankment Road is being looked into.
Palmer Memorial - being given back to Parish Council.
Communications - wants to significantly improve communications; plans to produce a Monthly newsletter ‘On the Wind’. Keen for input from local sources businesses etc. Wider news document at Easter and in time for Southampton Boat Show.
Bembridge Harbour Advisory Group (BHAG) - setting up advisory Group, needs nominations. First meeting to be held at 09:00 on 21st February; then very 2 months. First two to be chaired by MT, then possibly the chair to move to an independent chairman.
Community Surgery - every two weeks; first on 7th February; next on 21st February (both at 14:00 - 17:00).
Financial Transparency - Public meeting within 2 months of financial year end to report on financial activity etc.
Harbour Dues 2012/2013 - at 2010 rates and to be actively pursued.
Mooring Charges - at 2011 rates.
Final Comments - knows we have heard it all before but primary objective is stability; thinks it will take him 2 to 3 years to straighten things out. Many thanks for coming.
Questions
Michael MacInnes (Chairman BHT) - welcomed the Thorpe’s and thanked them for openness etc
Chris Wrenn - about commercial return
Someone from Seaview - how did he see it looking in 10 years time? Answer: There would be some small development around harbour for industry & to provide jobs.
Martyn Davies - re Dredging. Answer: repeated info given earlier.
Deirdre Hicks - where would dredging spoil go? Answer: to the Nab dumping ground.
Meeting closed after about 35 Mins.
