A COMPANY which operates four of Wales’ most successful marinas has made an offer to come to the aid of Watchet’s troubled marina – and solve its massive mud problem in six weeks, it was revealed this week.

Cardiff-based Marine Group, which runs marinas at Cardiff, Burry Port, Aberystwyth and Port Dinorwic, and has a fleet of powerful mud-dredgers, has approached Watchet marina owner Tim Taylor with offers ranging from a cash buy-out to management collaboration, but all have been refused.

Marine Group director Chris Odling-Smee told the Free Press: “I have written to Tim Taylor 12 times this year and proposed a meeting but we have had one reply in which he told me in no uncertain terms that he felt we were being unreasonable and should go away.”

Asked if the Marine Group, which is currently involved in negotiations to build a landmark marina at Barry Dock, would be interested in taking over Watchet marina should it become available, Mr Odling-Smee replied: “We would be there in a heartbeat to pick up the pieces in whatever scenario is required.”

Last week, Marine Group executives spoke to Watchet boat-owners and berth-holders about the company’s vision of Watchet as part of a network of Bristol Channel marinas which would bring an increased number of visitors to the town

The crowded meeting, in the Visitors’ Centre, was arranged by Watchet Harbour Advisory Committee after months of speculation about the future of the marina and the lack of dredging and major maintenance for the past two years.

There are currently fewer than 50 boats in a marina designed for over 200.

Read Mr Odling-Smee’s exclusive interview with the Free Press in today’s paper.