WATCHET townsfolk gathered at the harbour yesterday (Thursday) to welcome the new owners of the Watchet marina lease who have pledged to revive the near-derelict facility and turn it into a thriving tourist centre to benefit the town.

On the first day of the hand-over from the previous operator, boat-owners and civic leaders posed with a banner reading: ‘WATCHET WELCOMES THE MARINE GROUP’.

The Cardiff-based Marine Group, which runs four Welsh marinas, has taken over the mud-filled marina from Tim Taylor – who ran it for 17 years amid constant controversy – after the owners, Somerset West and Taunton Council, began legal proceedings to enforce conditions in Mr Taylor’s lease.

A Watchet Boat Owners’ Association spokesman said: “We have waited a long time for this day. Over the years we have had to watch the marina steadily decline and boats move away to other harbours. Now a dynamic company with a proven record can’t wait to turn things round and breathe new life into the place.

“We will do all we can to help and support the plans put forward by the Marine Group to bring back visitors to Watchet and fill the marina berths that have lain empty for so long.”

The Marine Group plans to spend more than £400,000 on dredging the marina, carrying out repairs and improvements, and restoring retained water at all states of the tide.

Marine Group directors and staff were on site immediately after yesterday’s takeover to meet boat-owners and residents. A spokesman said: “We are so excited by the prospect of returning Watchet Marina to its former glory.

“We will immediately commence a major upgrade programme and a comprehensive dredging campaign will begin in late spring. This unpolished gem and the proud fun-loving community which surrounds it deserve a first class marina facility. It is our intention for the harbour to become once more a magnetic visitor destination”.

Chris Hall, district council assistant director climate change and assets, who was involved in the marina negotiations, said: “Everything is pointing towards the Marine Group being an effective operator, which is good for the community.

“They have a well-publicised and realistic programme of repairs and development, and we have absolutely no concerns about the company’s ability to do the job and return the marina to profit as a major tourist asset. It’s all good stuff at the moment.”

Molly Quint, chairman of Watchet Arts Group and organiser of many events in the town, including street fairs, said: “It’s absolutely wonderful and will bring new life into Watchet. It will be 20 years this summer since the marina first opened and we have every hope that by the anniversary in July, the improved state of the marina and the visitors it attracts will be a cause for real celebration.”