WATCHET is losing thousands of pounds of tourist revenue as visiting yachtsmen shun the harbour because of the ever-increasing mud problem, the town’s boat-owners claimed this week.

It follows a warning from Watchet Boat Owners’ Association (WBOA), reported in last week’s Free Press, that lack of dredging in the outer harbour by the owners, West Somerset Council, was causing safety issues.

WBOA chairman Ray Ventura said on Wednesday: “The mud situation is deterring boating visitors from coming to Watchet, resulting in a significant loss to the town’s economy.

“In 2017 about 40 boats visited the marina for the summer fireworks weekend whereas there were only four last year.

“The financial loss of this to Watchet town was in the region of £4000 to £5,000 just for that weekend.

“The Bristol Channel Yachting Association cancelled their English coast rally in Watchet last year, again resulting in the loss of 40 to 50 visiting boats. They have declined to come again this year.

“Penarth marina and other clubs in Cardiff have also cancelled events over the last year and people with motor-vessels from Cardiff and Swansea will no longer come to Watchet due to concern abut mud ingress into their engines.

“None are planning to return by boat to Watchet until the situation with the mud has been addressed.”

Mr Ventura added that owners of yachts with long keels are also staying away from Watchet because of fears of going aground in the outer harbour mud.

And many local berth-holders were taking their boats elsewhere because of increased mud problems and decreasing sailing times.