Harbour users in Tenby recently met to discuss the proposed work to the sluice entrance following the announcement earlier in the year that Pembrokeshire County Council will receive £128,000 to carry out improvements to the facility.

Deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, made the announcement that the Welsh Government would grant the funding for the facility as part of a £2.2 million outlay that has been earmarked for 23 projects across Wales, to improve the visitor experience and develop ‘high quality destinations’.

The proposals include replacing Tenby Harbour sluice entrance stop logs with a gate that can be easily opened on demand, which will extend the operating season and create a year-round harbour excursion offer.

At a meeting of Tenby Harbour Users Association (THUA) earlier this month, discussions surrounded the Atkins report received from Pembrokeshire County Council’s ‘harbours manager’ Sarah Edwards, with the focus on the sluice gate as phase 1 of the development.

Members agreed that the base mounted ‘draw bridge’ (folding outwards) design was the obvious solution. It was pointed out that this design would not expose the sluice walls to any more forces than it currently endures.

As part of the sluice re-purpose, THUA have been keen to incorporate in the design a sill keeping only a few feet of water in at all times.

This would cover the unsightly mud and enable unrestricted access to the popular family past time of crabbing, right in the heart of Tenby Harbour.

The hinge mechanism for the gate opening forward could be housed in the base plate/sill giving dual benefit.

With regards to construction, it was felt that the wooden beams, currently fixed in place, do a good job as a storm gate.

Harbourmaster Chris Salisbury pointed out the cost of these alone was significant some time ago.

All agreed that what was required was for easy movement of the existing system – a steel frame to house and brace the beams, ability to drive a JCB over this gate to partially dredge the sluice as and when required included within annual land dredge commitment.

THUA chair Angus Dunlop said he would discuss proposals with two local engineering firms and seek quotes, with all members believing that an excellent result can be achieved well within the budget.