A GROUP of councillors is to look at the proposed increase in fees at Tenby Harbour.

The decision to set up a task and finish group was made by Pembrokeshire County Council’s economy overview and scrutiny committee on Thursday, January 16.

Last June the committee approved a review of fees at Tenby and Lower Fishguard Harbours.

It was decided the fees at Lower Fishguard would rise in line with inflation, with a new fee for commercial kayaking operations, but that there was scope for increasing fees at Tenby due to high demand.

The proposals would see mooring a private vessel rise from £120.98 to £220, among other increases.

A report by the council’s director of development, Dr Steven Jones, stated the rises were intended to make harbours “self-financing” in line with guidance from the department of transport.

Tenby south county councillor Michael Evans, who has a mooring at the harbour, addressed the committee.

He said: “Some would say boating is at the heart of Tenby town. It’s the lifeblood and social hub of the local population, especially the elderly. A lot of those people are on fixed incomes.

“This is a dramatic increase in fees with very little consultation with those who have to pay them. There’s no doubt that the fees need to rise but what about other income streams?”

He added: “Nothing has been done to sweat the harbour’s assets.”

Tenby north county councillor Michael Williams, who has been mooring in the harbour for 53 years, said: “It’s the hub of Tenby and I really think we have a moral obligation to look after it.”

He added: “We have to get our act together. We have a legal obligation otherwise I’m pretty sure there will be a judicial review.”

Members heard the increases would contribute £18,000 towards the £34,000 deficit. The report recommended approving the charges.

Cllr Owen James proposed deferring the decision and setting up a group to look at the fees. Members voted unanimously in favour.