Calls for action to save town's 'dying' harbour

The harbour is used by fishing vessels and leisure sailors

A "simple solution" should be found to help revive a "dying harbour" in Somerset, according to one councillor.

Fees were introduced to launch boats, kayaks and paddleboards from the slipway at Minehead Harbour in April 2024 - and Somerset Council now wants to increase them by about 3%.

Members of Minehead Sailing Club, which stopped operating after the fees were introduced, spoke to councillors on Monday and called for the fees to be waived.

The council said the fees mean it is able to run the harbour on a "cost neutral basis and meet our requirements under the Port Marine Safety Code.

The current fees mean people must pay either a £16 daily fee or a £200 annual fee to launch from the harbour.

The council has given the sailing club a discount for kayaks and paddleboards, which cost club members £20 a year.

Despite this, the club says it has been forced to stop operating after losing 25 members.

Speaking at a meeting of the council's harbour management advisory committee, the sailing club's secretary Debbie Allum said: "It would be appropriate, and appreciated, if the current and pending fees could be waived to allow paddles, oars and sail-based craft to launch, without further delay."

Fees to enter the harbour were imposed in April 2024 for the first time

Councillor Andy Hadley said an "simple solution" to be found so the harbour can "get back to work".

"It's dying down there," he added.

Mr Hadley told the committee any agreement "should encompass all the crafts" the club uses.

The committee said it would hold talks with the sailing club in the near future.

The area's MP Rachel Gilmour told BBC News she is "working on a resolution" and will raise the issue with the Department for Transport.

She added: "I hope there is a positive outcome soon so the people of Minehead can enjoy their harbour, which I hope can become a crucial asset for the town and wider community."