Councils subsidise harbour for first time since 2015

Harbourmaster Billy Johnson said recent infrastructure investments were "massive steps forward"

A loss-making harbour has received council subsidies for the first time in nine years.

Langstone Harbour was given £150,000 by Portsmouth and Havant councils in 2023/24, its annual accounts show.

Harbourmaster Billy Johnson said requesting funding had been a "bruising experience", after years of relying on reserves.

However, he said reducing the harbour's maintenance backlog and investing in new infrastructure were "massive steps forward".

The harbour, between Portsmouth and Hayling Island in Hampshire, is one of the "most important intertidal areas in Britain" for wading birds, according to Natural England.

It relies on a single sand and gravel dredger - AI Avocet, operated by the Kendall Group - for much of its income.

In 2023/24, the harbour declared a £30,000 operating loss, its annual report shows.

The figure, down from a £114,000 loss the previous year, includes the precept from the two councils as well as a £231,000 government grant to boost commercial fishing.

The harbour is investing in new infrastructure to boost commercial fishing

Mr Johnson said: "We are no less successful as a business.

"We have steadied the ship and renewed most of our infrastructure that was ailing in the last three years."

Writing in the annual report, he said a gangway at Hayling Island and a forklift and boat trolley had been replaced.

He said the improvements would encourage small commercial vessels, making the harbour more self-sufficient.

Mr Johnson said the harbour was likely to have to request another £220,000 in council subsidies in December.

In September, the harbour announced it had won another £162,000 in funding from the government's UK Seafood Fund.

It said the grant would enable a 50-year life extension for the Hayling Island public slipway and other improvements.