WATCHET Town Council has written to the new Somerset West and Taunton Council deploring the state of the town’s harbour, and asking it to insist that Watchet Harbour Marina fulfils its dredging contract obligations.

The letter, which went out last week, said the April meeting of the council unanimously agreed a proposal that the council supports the harbour advisory mud working group’s strategy, endorsed by the Watchet harbour advisory committee, as a long term solution to the mud situation.

“With this in mind [we] write to Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWAT) deploring the current state of the entire Watchet harbour, the focal point of the town and crucial to [its] economic growth.

“Watchet Town Council also asks that [SWAT)] insist that Watchet Harbour Marina fulfil their contractual dredging obligations and to urgently work with the marina to keep levels of mud to working tolerances,” the letter said.

While the town council recognised the value of partnership working through the harbour advisory mud working group and was committed to supporting its approach, it said members urged that progress needs to be made urgently to address the problem.

“Please would you ensure this matter is brought to the attention of the relevant portfolio holder, chair of council and leader, when elected, as a matter of priority,” the letter said.

Chris Hall, localities manager for the new SWAT, said in a reply letter to Watchet Town Council this week that he would be working on looking at what dredging activity can be undertaken in the outer harbour, while the project work on a full depth dredge is worked up.

He said he would report progress back to the mud working group.