HOPES of restoring the long-standing problem of mud levels in Watchet Marina have taken a step forward.

A geophysical survey of the area, including the outer harbour, has been carried out by Dorset-based specialists Shoreline Surveys.

Sam Westmacott, speaking on behalf of marina operators Watchet Harbour Marina, said the company would be analysing its findings and providing information to WHM and West Somerset Council - which owns the marina and harbour - within the next couple of weeks.

She said the information on the depth of the mud and the profile of the sea bed would be used to help engineers and sediment experts design a practical solution to the mud issue.

"This would be based on keeping the silt in suspension rather than dropping to the bottom and forming mud," said Ms Westmacott.

"On the day the soundings were taken the company reported that the mud in the outer harbour was up to four metres deep."

The soundings for the level in the marina were not analysed on site.

The £6,000 cost of the survey has been picked up by WHM, although Ms Westmacott said it was hoped the district council would make a contribution.

She said the need for it had been discussed at a presentation of a report on potential solutions to the siltation problems in August.

The marina has suffered from varying levels of mud almost since it opened in 2001, partly due to its geographical location and design.

WHM has used a variety of techniques in an attempt to combat the problem, initially using contractors to dredge the area.

But in recent years it has deployed a specialist dredging machine, which it bought and adapted to carry out the work.

A spokesman for West Somerset Council said the authority was aware of the survey and would consider the request regarding a contribution to the cost.

Watchet Marina manager James Burnell is pictured (left) on board the survey boat with Emile Foote of Shoreline Surveys.