BERTH-HOLDERS who have withheld their Watchet marina fees in protest against mud problems and the lack of facilities, have been told to pay up immediately or move their boats out of the harbour.
Marina operator Christopher Odling-Smee told a private meeting of berth-holders on Tuesday that outstanding fees for 2023/24 must be paid before new berthing contracts are issued at the beginning of April.
He said that anyone who did not settle current debts would be refused a contract for the coming 12 months and be unwelcome at the marina.
“Things have gone downhill ever since. There is no hot water, no showers since last August, no launderette service, no manned office, no dredging, no working lock-gate, unsafe pontoons and no Wi-Fi or internet communication.
“There is no way we could pay even if we wanted to because the office can’t produce invoices!”
Another berth-holder added: “The place is like the Marie Celeste, with no staff and nothing happening. No wonder people are refusing to pay when they are getting virtually nothing for their money.
“Then on Tuesday, Mr Odling-Smee, whose other four marinas are in administration, told us that everything is going to be OK - dredging will begin soon, staff will be paid, funding is on its way and mooring fees will be frozen until everything’s put right.
“We’ve been hearing all this since 2021. What planet is he on? Any complaints we make don’t seem to make the slightest difference.
“The general feeling among berth-holders is that withholding money is the only way we stand a chance of getting the services we signed up for. Some of us won’t be intimidated by these latest threats.”
Mr Odling-Smee, who is negotiating with Somerset Council for a 200-year lease on the marina, has declined to make any comment to the Free Press.