CELEBRATIONS were held to mark the relaunch of Minehead Sailing Club following an agreed reduction in harbour fees.

The town’s MP, Rachel Gilmour, joined members of Minehead Sailing Club to mark the milestone after it was forced to halt all operations last year due to the rising fees, which saw the sailing club having to pay an additional £78 per member per year to use the harbour.

Mrs Gilmour (Liberal Democrats, Tiverton and Minehead), who has been liaising with Somerset Council and the Department for Transport to improve the situation at Minehead Harbour, was pleased to spend the morning with members of the sailing club at their official relaunch on Saturday (April 5).

Minehead Sailing and Watersports Club, which is a registered charity and had been active for more than 60 years, is now welcoming new members to enjoy the harbour area as the weather begins to improve.

Secretary of Minehead Sailing and Watersports Club, Debbie Allum, said: “After 12 months of a very empty harbour, we now look forward to having a busy harbour area again.

“Although the reduction in harbour fees is not a long-term solution, this is very positive news for local people in Minehead.

“We are very grateful for Rachel and her office in helping us in our efforts to reduce these fees for our members.”

Following the relaunch event, Mrs Gilmour said: “After lots of hard work, membership fees have been reduced which now allows the Sailing Club to continue operating.

“While there is still work to do, this a great next step to ensure that everyone in Minehead can enjoy their harbour area.

“I want to offer a big thank you to Debbie and the team at Minehead Sailing Club for such a lovely morning.”