Minehead Sailing Club Ceases Operations Following Introduction of Increased Harbour Fees

A local sailing club, operational for 60 years, has ceased its activities after new charges were implemented by the council at a harbour. Minehead Sailing Club previously incurred a single annual charge of £120 for slipway usage, but this has now escalated to £198 per member, per year. The slipway entrance is now secured with a chain and padlock unless the fee is paid. The club reported that the revised fees led to a loss of half its membership, severely impacting its financial stability as a charity. Somerset Council stated that the new fees enable it to meet its obligations under the Port Marine Safety Code, adding that the harbour operates on a “cost neutral basis.” These new charges were introduced in April, providing users with the option of paying the annual fee or a daily rate of £16 for slipway access to the water. Ian Cobb, the club’s commodore, explained that all their activities depend on using the slipway and that the council has withdrawn the concessionary rate they previously paid. He added that this change has resulted in 25 members leaving the club. “It costs about £2,500 to run the club each year, what with rent, insurances, electricity, and the maintenance is quite high – it doesn’t paint a bright future for us,” he said. Club member Allan Dyer, who has moored his boat in the harbour for 25 years, stated that the annual slipway fee increase to £198 was introduced without warning and is levied in addition to the fee for mooring his boat in the marina. “For 25 years I paid Somerset Council for the mooring… I don’t see why I should have to pay such a big sum,” he said. Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, commented: “It’s just depressing, because Minehead is a seaside town, the harbour should be the focus, but it’s not… and people can’t use it because they’re being asked to pay too much money.” In a statement, Somerset Council affirmed its right to increase fees to maintain and improve the harbour, which it manages “on a cost neutral basis.” It further added: “The charges for using the infrastructure and slipway enable us to meet our requirements under the Port Marine Safety Code.” The council also indicated its openness to positive engagement and discussion, expressing its hope to meet Mrs Gilmore at the earliest opportunity.