WATCHET Harbour Marina could be facing a repair bill running into tens of thousands of pounds following a major mechanical failure of the tidal gate. Heavy duty pumps were due to be brought in today (Thursday) to remove the water and allow experts to examine the seven-ton structure, which has been out of action since last Thursday evening. But initial investigations suggest a hinge has sheared off, leaving the gate half up and half down. Although the marina is largely closed to visiting vessels, marina staff have put in the stop logs usually used during maintenance work to create a temporary gate. And with extra staff drafted in, this is allowing continued access for the 100 berth holders and, more importantly, the fishing boats that operate out of the marina. Currently the top section of the stop logs is being removed to allow boats to 'float over' - a process which is being helped by this week's high tides. Marina manager James Burnell said although the facility was officially closed to visitors, boats arriving 'ad hoc' would be given access. "Obviously we want to stop any big influx of boats but we want to make it clear that we are open for business for the berth holders and the commercial boats - now and for the forseeable future." Mr Burnell said discussions had been taking place with the original designers and manufacturers of the gate, which should have a lifespan of 50 years. "This is quite a specialised industry and we have been talking in depth to experts over the past week while waiting for the pump we need to arrive," he said. "Unfortunately, it's not a textbook problem. "Nobody has ever known anything like this to happen before. "Our biggest problem at the moment is access - the gate is lying in around four feet of water." Mr Burnell said the situation should be clearer in the next few days once the pump had removed the water and experts had been able to take a detailed look. Using technical drawings and literally "digging around" with his hands, Mr Burnell said it appeared a hinge had sheared off, the gate had spun round towards the wall and the hydraulic ram had bent. The damage has come at a time when things in the marina and surrounding area are beginning to take a more positive turn. Consultation is currently taking place on a range of regeneration proposals for the East Quay and other key areas in the town, whilst the marina operator has been carrying out detailed work to resolve the ongoing mud issue. Following years of unsuccessful dredging, a geo-physical survey of the marina, the outer harbour and the entrance is now planned with the aim of designing and implementing an auto flushing system to clear the mud. "It is a bit of a blow that this has happened now - but I'm thankful it didn't happen in the summer months when we have had anything from ten to 40 visiting boats at weekends," said Mr Burnell. "It looks likely that the gate will have to be lifted out, which will be a major exercise in itself because of the difficult access and the weight of the structure. "But we remain very positive that the problems can be resolved. "This was completely unexpected and is certainly not due in any way to a lack of maintenance. "Investigations are ongoing and we are confident that we will be able to continue to allow access to and from the marina for our berthholders, particularly the commercial vessels." Mr Burnell said the cost of the repairs was an unknown quantity but it was likely to run into tens of thousands of pounds. Steve Yeandle, owner of the charter fishing boat Scooby Doo Too, which operates out of Watchet, said he had not lost a single trip because of the problems. "The marina operators are doing all they can to keep us operational and everyone is co-operating," he said. "Obviously it is a concern but we want everyone to know that we are open for business as usual." The marina, which opened in 2001, is owned by West Somerset Council but a spokesman said the gate was the responsibility of the operator.