Flooding repairs to lock gates 'will affect fishing'

A HIGH-level meeting has been called to discuss the £3m repair of Plymouth’s lock gates after fishing boat crews said it will lead to “chaos”

- WILLIAM TELFORD

The commercial fishing fleet is concerned the essential work, due to begin next month, will restrict access to Sutton Harbour and that alternative arrangements could lead to boats being unable to land their catch.

The Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association (PFSA) said vessels could have access to the quayside by the Sutton Harbour fish market, and its fuel and ice facilities, restricted to just a few minutes each day.

It said an “emergency” option for boats to tie up at Millbay’s Trinity Pier and have their catch driven to Plymouth Fisheries is “totally inadequate” and could lead to boats queuing up for lengthy periods of time.

Sutton Harbour Group Plc, which owns the lock gates, stressed the work is vital to stop homes and businesses from being flooded.

It is working with the Environment Agency on the repair and maintenance work and both parties will be at a summit meeting called by Plymouth City Council to discuss a way forward.

They will sit around the table with PFSA and other interested parties – including fish auctioneers, trawler agents, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners and Associated British Ports, which owns the Millbay docks – at Ballard House on August 18. They will discuss the fishing fleet’s concerns.

The Government-funded repair scheme will see the worn lock gates replaced but will mean access to Sutton Harbour will be restricted.