COMMUNITY campaigner Steve Taylor has called on Somerset Council to remove a chain which it has placed across the slipway to Minehead Harbour as it tries to make more money by increasing user fees.

Mr Taylor said he feared somebody could trip over the chain and suffer serious injury or even death, especially with a high drop to the beach at that point.

He said the risk would be worse at night in the dark, and for any drinkers leaving the nearby Old Ship Aground public house.

It is the first time the harbour slipway has been closed to the public in at least the past 20 years.

Mr Taylor said it was a serious health and safety issue and the harbourmaster and/or council could be liable if any personal injury or death occurred.

He said in a letter to the council: “While the RNLI may have the ability to unlock the chain, should the lock become stuck it could delay the launch of the lifeboat, which brings with it serious risk to life.

“Harbours by their nature are inherently dangerous, which is why I am surprised that you should make the position worse by this action.”

But council acting harbourmaster Capt Jessica Tyson said it would be a person’s own fault if they tripped over the chain.

Capt Tyson said: “Persons’ state of intoxication leaving a public house is an individual’s responsibility.

“The chain at the top of the slipway is part of the managed access of the slipway by the harbour authority.”

The council has been embroiled in a row since last month when it forced the 60-year-old Minehead Sailing and Watersports Club to close because of a 4,500 per cent increase in fees for using the harbour.

The volunteer-run club has since complained to the Local Government Ombudsman and started legal action to challenge the lawfulness of the council’s decision.

Mr Taylor has also questioned the restriction on slipway access given that it is part of the coastal margin of the Minehead section of the King Charles III England Coast Path and should have public access rights.