Concern at lack of detail in compensation scheme

COUNCIL LEADER BACKS CALLS FOR LESS RED TAPE AS FISHING CREWS FACE LOSSES AMID FLOOD DEFENCE WORK

- ANDY PHILLIPS

PLYMOUTH City Council leader Tudor Evans has said he is concerned that a compensation scheme for fishermen affected by flood defence work at Sutton Harbour lock gates appears to be ‘lengthy and bureaucratic’.

The Environment Agency (EA) have sent out details of a compensation scheme directly to the fishing industry, which will reimburse those who have lost money as a result of the flood defence work which started early last month.

The email sent to fishermen said that compensation requests must be submitted in writing and supported by documentary evidence, and could be in line for a compensatory payment.

Planned maintenance of the lock gates at Sutton Harbour began last month, and the owners of the harbour – Sutton Harbour Group (SHG) – are responsible for providing alternative landing facilities at Trinity Pier over at the Millbay dock while the work was being carried out.

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

However, the temporary landing dock was previously given short shrift by fishermen.

Speaking to The Fishing Daily, Cllr Evans said: “I welcome the EA finally setting out the parameters of a compensation scheme for losses experienced as a result of the vital flood defence works that started early last month at Sutton Harbour.