SPECIALIST contractors are on the verge of being appointed to carry out repairs to the tidal gate at Watchet Marina. A total of four South West-based companies have looked at the structure in the past week since a major mechanical failure put it out of action three weeks ago. Marina manager James Burnell told the Free Press that the repairs needed to get the gate operational were "doable". "We are now waiting to receive quotes for the work and, crucially, confirm the availability of the companies and time scales," he said. But Mr Burnell said the repairs would require specialist expertise and equipment. Although a range of options is still being considered, a floating crane, or other equipment that can be brought in by water is the most likely solution. The seven-ton gate will have to be lifted out but with a questionmark over the viability of the pier to withstand the weight of the heavy equipment needed, access by water is considered the safest option. Mr Burnell said it was hoped that a redesign of the gate could be incorporated into the repair work. Initial investigations had suggested that one of the hinges holding the gate in place had sheared off. But last week Mr Burnell said it became clear that the steel fabric of the structure itself had failed. However, if possible, the redesign would look at attaching the hinges on top of the gate, rather than on the underside at present, to reduce the chances of further failures and make the structure more accessible. Despite the problems, marina staff have been working hard to keep the facility open to its 100 or so berth holders and, more importantly, the commercial boats based in Watchet. Stop logs normally used during maintenance work are helping to create a temporary gate. The marina had been declared largely closed to visiting boats but Mr Burnell said it had been decided to lift the blanket ban - although access is only possible by prior contact with marina staff. "The temporary measures are working pretty well but we are very aware that this problems needs to be sorted as quickly as possible," said Mr Burnell. "Hopefully, we should know how and when we are going to tackle it by early next week."