WORK on repairing the gate to Watchet Marina has started, just four weeks since the new operators signed a 200-year lease with Somerset Council.
Western Marinas took over last September and quickly began a dredging operation which is removing nearly 35,000 cubic metres of mud.
Now, the company has begun work on the marina gate, which has been out of action for a number of years despite promises by the former operator to replace it.
A Western Marinas spokesperson said: “Weeks of planning and preparation has gone into today’s successful first lift of the gate.
“Today’s gate lift was in ‘manual’ mode.
“We will now work to fix the ‘automatic’ system and carry out servicing on the hydraulics before the gate operates regularly with each tide.
“Once we reach this stage, we will be reviewing options to further improve the gate’s operating system to ensure it is more reliable going forward.”
The spokesperson said a ‘huge thank you’ went to everybody who was involved in the gate lift and those who worked in the weeks running up to it.
Western Marinas, which has been lavishly praised by Watchet Boat Owners Association, has also reinstated the harbour’s gas supply, installed a new fuel tank, and started refitting pontoon electrical and water supplies.
A new vehicle automatic number plate car park management system is also being installed, the pedestrian walkway to East Quay revised ‘to keep everybody safe’, and work carried out on the toilet and shower facilities with more planned.
Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor said on social media: “At last, somebody putting their money where their mouth is.
“Thank you Western Marinas Ltd. Looking forward to what you do next.”
Bristol Channel Yachting Association is planning a ‘fireworks extravaganza rally’ in Watchet on August 23, returning to the town for the first time in several years.