Sailing club to restart after harbour fee back down

A sailing club that had to shut after sweeping harbour fees were brought in says it is now able to reopen after negotiations with the local council.

Minehead Sailing Club has agreed to pay a yearly fee of £400 to Somerset Council, so that its members can use the harbour's slipway without having to pay £198 a year individually.

The council had introduced the fees last year, arguing the funds were needed to pay for the day-to-day running of the harbour.

Debbie Allum, the club's secretary, said the fee for visitors "remains a problem". Somerset Council has been contacted for comment.

The club, which is a charity, said it worked with councillors and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour to negotiate its fee.

The costs brought in were too high for many members, making the charity's financial position very difficult and, eventually, forcing it to shut.

Ms Allum said: "A fee of £400 for all members with non-motorised vessels was proposed by the club in order to allow it to re-open, which is an increase of 266% on the 2023/24 fees.

"This has finally been accepted by Somerset Council officers."

Ms Allum had previously spoken at council meetings about the need for engaging with Minehead Sailing Club over the issue.

She added: "We fully understand that Somerset Council has a financial crisis, but closing a small self-supporting charity with no notice or consultation, followed by complete apathy and lack of support about the situation that followed, is alarming.

"Preparations are under way to get local people back in their harbour. But there are no winners here."

She said that from 1 April, locals and visitors will each have to pay £10.50 a day to launch a kayak or paddleboard.

"This is way above the national average, many harbours are free for small leisure craft, including neighbouring harbours Coombe Martin and Lynmouth," Ms Allum said.

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