Ongoing issues with sandbanks causing operational difficulties at Tenby’s harbour were highlighted again this week when a supply boat to Caldey Island couldn’t leave the vicinity due to siltation in the sea mouth.
Renewed calls were made to the Local Authority last month regarding the concerns over the high level of sand sweeping across the North Beach, leaving high sandbanks around a section of the harbour making it difficult for boats to get in and out of the area.
On Tuesday of this week it was reported to Tenby’s county councillor for the North ward Cllr Michael Williams that a daily supply boat to Caldey Island couldn’t carry out its duty due to such difficulties with the sandbank build up.
Cllr Williams who reiterated the concerns to Pembrokeshire County Council last month, once again contacted the Authority responsible for the harbour this week highlighting the matter once again.
“I am concerned about the limitations now placed on the daily supply and mail boat to Caldey,” he stated.
“Access to the pier in particular is becoming more and more problematic due to the build-up of sand in the harbour mouth. I believe that on certain days during very low tides, it is becoming impossible to access the pier and the vessel concerned barely floats.
“Once this vessel leaves the pier, it has to travel a considerable distance parallel to the North beach, towards Goscar Rock to avoid the bank, before being able to turn seawards.”
Dredging has taken place annually around the harbour area over the past few years during the month of March, but councillors and harbour users have long pointed out that this temporary fix, is just that, and the practice of using tractors and diggers to shift sand from the harbour area, has passed its sell by date, only offering a short term and marginal improvement, with a proper long term plan now needed.
“The annual exercise, which is about to be undertaken, does result in a very short-term improvement, but the issue now needs a major investment after a detailed investigation to ascertain the reason for the change of sand levels,” continued Cllr Williams.
“There is no doubt that access to and from moorings, and the pier will be seriously restricted during this coming season, which should result in a reduction of mooring charges.
“Users, both commercial and private are finding that their ability to access and leave their moorings are becoming more and more limited,” added Cllr Williams, who said recently that there has been real fear expressed by boat operators that the area will become unusable if sandbanks continue to develop at such an alarming rate.
The operation to return the boats to the harbour water ahead of the Easter period is due to take place next month, ahead of another busy holiday season at the seaside town.
It is understood that the chief executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, Will Bramble held a meeting at the harbour on Wednesday. PCC have been contacted for a comment.
