Friday, 3 February 2012

Bembridge Harbour Authority - Public Meeting on Tuesday 31st January 2012 Notes

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.

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.

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