DISCUSSIONS on a 200-year lease for the new owners of Watchet Marina have been started by Somerset Council.

Western Marinas Ltd took over the marina’s operating lease in September after three controversial years under Christopher Odling-Smee’s Marine and Property Group (MPG), which has been in administration for the past 18 months.

The council had been in the process of agreeing with Mr Odling-Smee to extend to 200 years an existing 125-year lease granted in 2001, despite the troubled financial background of MPG, which had estimated debts of £16 million and assets of £2 million.

A council spokesperson told the Free Press discussions on a direct lease for 200 years were ‘ongoing but near completion’.

Western Marinas has started to dredge Watchet’s inner harbour using a plan and advice from a dredging consultant.

Acting Harbour Master Capt Jessica Tyson said: “The results are tangible and visible with the mud being cleared from the gate area to bed rock.

“The harbour authority continue to work closely with the management of the marina and monitor the ongoing dredging to ensure the excellent start is maintained.

“It will take time, but the effects are evident with increased water levels in the marina basin already.”

A Western Marinas spokesperson said: “Watchet is currently undergoing a full dredge of the marina.

“Target depths will be achieved by April, 2025.

“An extensive refit of marina electrics and the fuel facility are also underway.”

The company has also taken on two other former MPG marinas in Cardiff and Aberystwyth.