Safety concerns spark search for new harbour master for Watchet and Minehead

The news comes after an audit of harbour operations conducted by Harbour Masters' Association member Chris Lisher in July found little evidence of compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code .

In his audit Mr Lisher said that should there be an accident, the council could bear financial liability, something the cash-strapped authority can ill afford.

Safety concerns found in the report include a lack of warning notices, steps in Minehead Harbour require repair and Watchet Harbour requires railings if quay wall berth is not used.

"I cannot emphasise strongly enough the risk the council currently faces if there is an accident at either harbour. There is little evidence of compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code or maintenance of either the assets or safety equipment," Mr Lisher said.

"It is possible that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) could at little notice audit the harbours and demand that the council put matters right, or at the extreme, close the ports."

Safety concerns found in the report include a lack of warning notices, steps in Minehead Harbour require repair and Watchet Harbour requires railings if quay wall berth is not used.

At the full council meeting on Wednesday, September 16, councillors agreed to spend £31,000 on a new harbourmaster and improvements to meet safety regulations at both harbours.

This is split into £26,000 a year to support the harbour master's role, and a one-off £5,000 payment to update the WSC Port Marine Safety Code.

The previous harbourmaster had been working on a part-time basis but left in June and by law he must be replaced for the authority to comply with its duties as a harbour authority.

There will also be a new harbour board set up featuring three elected members, cross party, including one representative from Minehead and one from Watchet. The board will be chaired by the council's portfolio holder for environmental services.