The build-up of sand at Ryde Harbour has now become so bad that berth holders say they are unable to leave or enter the harbour.
Despite recent clearance of sand, which was criticised at the time for not being enough, mother nature has proven to be in charge with large banks now formed larger than ever before at the entrance to Ryde’s seaside harbour.
Although very small craft seem able to just about make it through, albeit with some difficulty, larger boats are now completely stuck. Fee payers say they are not prepared to sit back and be denied the ability to use the harbour in a safe way.
A meeting has been called with local councillors at 13:30 today (Monday) to discuss the issue and see what can be done to fully re-open the harbour as soon as possible.
Ryde Harbour is due to be transferred into the ownership of Ryde Town Council on 1st April and will be known as Ryde Marina.
Ambitious plans have been proposed to rejuvenate the harbour including a marina webcam, new and improved berths and pontoons, as well as more facilities like showers and toilets.
The town council is hoping to draw a line under the old ownership with a new start, stamping its own identity, values and customer service from the get-go.
UPDATE @ 12:05 – An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has said:
“The authority removed fifteen hundred cubic metres from within the harbour in three phases which started on the 20th September 2021. The work was completed by the 31st of October 21.
“We have a 10 year licence with the Marine Management Organisation (08.06.18 to 15.09.28) which only allows maintenance dredging. It has a limited annual volume (which we maximised during this previous dredge), prescribed deposition site and, due to the environmental designation of Ryde Sand, restricts dredging activities to between 1 March and 31 October.
“We are investigating the issue as this would be a considerable build-up of sand since the last dredge.”
It’s a goldmine, apparently.
Nothing has changed, apparently. Anything that this Council gets its hands on is a disaster. Do what you are competent in, i.e nothing.
dont say that as they are very competent in taking our money but thats all they are competent in.
Having watched them moving the sand to not very far away from the Harbour it’s no surprise that it’s been deposited back
In order to manage correctly, one must first understand a harbours characteristics. Long shore drift of sediment caused by wind & tidal flow & figuring out a way to alter such is the only solution. Unfortunately the IWC officers fall short of any such knowledge. They know the sea is wet & the tide goes up & down, that is about it. In the West Country the Councils make their harbours a priority. They see it as making the harbours work safely will generate huge income. Of which they do, just ask the Duchy of Cornwall!!!
“Ambitious plans have been proposed to rejuvenate the harbour including a marina webcam, new and improved berths and pontoons, as well as more facilities like showers and toilets.”
Not much point in all these new plans if the actual berths can’t be accessed. Who actually comes up with these ideas without checking on the basics of operating a marina – like maintaining sea access?
No problem for Ryde council. Just another huge increase in the council tax precept, should cover this shrewd purchase?
Sounds like a small number of wealthy individuals want a large number of poor people to pay for the dredging of there Harbour. Then they can mess about on the water while we play with a rubber duck in the bath.
I think the should have built it the other side of the pier ! Not on reclaimed sandbanks… How idiotic is it to have a tidal harbour/marina.. and as for setting up a webcam, as though that is very important ??? Why, so the whole world can see what a farce the so called Marina is ???
The Council were warned this would happen back in the mid / late 80’s when it was built. Nature and tidal movement will take it’s own course.
Yep, could not agree more.
It is unnatural to have any kind of harbour built on Ryde sands.
That is why the Victorians built a pier.
Not rocket is it.
Please don’t be critical of IWC. In an exceptionally smart move they are off-loading this money pit to the ever optimistic and ambitious RTC for a £1 on April 1st.