Posted on March 19, 2019
Tenby Harbour Users Association (THUA) have welcomed confirmation that dredging work will take place at the resort’s harbour area next week, and are continuing to explore the possibility of a more substantial marine dredge with the option to redeposit sand moved in the future.
Work will start at 6.30 am on Monday morning and will last for a week with two excavators and two dumpers carrying out the work, said a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council.
The contractors are One Stop Property Development Limited of Haverfordwest, and the work is being carried out under a Marine Licence issued by the Natural Resources Wales.
The dredged sand will be removed to the north end of North Beach as the licence dictates.
Members of the public have been asked to stay clear of the operating area whilst the dredging works takes place.
Angus Dunlop, chair of THUA said that the association was pleased to receive confirmation of the dredging date and understand the process approved is the same as has previously been carried out.
“Somewhat frustratingly the last actual dredge being completed was approximately four years ago,” he said.
“We are continuing to explore the possibility of a more substantial marine dredge with the option to redeposit sand moved, but in the mean time welcome the reintroduction of this essential annual maintenance.
“We would like to thank the acting harbourmaster, Chris Salisbury, for his efforts in securing this license.
“THUA have been working closely with PCC on better management of the harbour and we see this as the first of many positive outcomes resulting from pursuing a productive working relationship between stakeholders,”?he added.
Councillor Michael Williams, who represents Tenby’s North ward, has also welcomed the confirmation that some dredging will take place at the harbour, but says he fears that the extent proposed will be far too little.
“There has been a change in weather conditions in recent years that has led to a considerable build up of sand in the North Bay, and the only way to address this is to carry out a comprehensive marine dredging of the area at the entrance and outside the harbour,”?he stated.
It was announced in January that Tenby will be among tourist hot spots across Pembrokeshire that will receive part of a £323,000 funding boost from the Welsh Government, with deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, announcing that £2.2 million had been earmarked for 23 projects across Wales, to improve the visitor experience and develop ‘high quality destinations’.
The announcement stated that Pembrokeshire County Council will receive £128,000 to replace Tenby Harbour sluice entrance stop logs with a gate that can be easily opened on demand, which will extend the operating season and create a year-round harbour excursion offer.
Clr. Williams said that he has been informed that he will be in receipt of the Atkins Global report by the end of March and looks forward to its conclusions.
“At that time I intend consulting with local boat owners to see if they consider the proposals to be realistic,” he continued.
“There is a great deal of real expertise within the local Harbour community which needs to be afforded an input.
“It certainly appears somewhat incongruous to make a capital commitment well before the engineers report has been received, and any evaluation as to its feasibility has been undertaken.
“What I find sad is that there has been no attempt to speak firstly to those local boat owners with many years of experience and understanding of the harbour prior to spending their money,” added Clr. Williams.
