Dear Berth Holder

 

Hafan Pwllheli / Pwllheli Harbour: Annual Berthing

 

We write to advise and to re confirm the decision take by the Council Cabinet in relation to the fees and charges that apply to berthing fees at Hafan Pwllheli for the 2020/21 financial year.

 

Councillors fully appreciate, understand and sympathise with the severe restrictions that affected access to sailing and boating throughout the country during the international Covid-19 emergency. 

 

The effect on everyone has been significant but especially for the families of those whose lives have been devastated, those lives that have been lost and those lives that have been severely affected by Covid-19.

 

As you will be aware, on 16th June 2020 the Council’s Cabinet gave consideration as to whether or not to reduce various Council fees as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.  The Cabinet report refers to the significant financial impact of the crisis, noting that the anticipated range of income losses to be between £5m and £16m depending on the duration of the crisis. 

 

Even so, the decision was made by Councillors to reduce berthing fees for leisure craft and which in general equates to 70% of the full fee for the duration of the Covid-19 lockdown period. A copy of the report is available on the Council’s website: (www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru). (https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=4093&Ver=4)

 

Given the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic we confirm that the Council Cabinet authorised the following level of fees at Hafan Pwllheli for 2020/21:

 

i   The fee for annual berthing contracts for the months of April, May, June and July will be at 70% of the annual fee.  This is generally the ‘winter rate’ for berthing.

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ii   The fee for annual berthing contracts for the months of August 2020 to March 2021 will be at 100% of the annual fee. 

 

Whilst the Council has issued a request for payment for the month of June 2020 we anticipate that a further request for payment for the remaining months of the berthing agreement will be issued shortly.

 

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen technical difficulties there will be a further delay in the releasing of the request for payment for the remainder of the financial year and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.

 

The issuing of a request for a single month’s payment as presented already is not our normal process and we sincerely apologise if this has caused confusion. 

 

Berth holders paying by Direct Debit will continue to be able to use this method for payment for an extended period to the end of March 2021.

 

As from 25th July 2020 all facilities at Hafan Pwllheli will have been available to berth holders. Berth holders and visiting boat crews will however be required to adhere to Wales Government guidelines with regard to social distancing in order to protect lives and reduce the spread of C-19.  Appropriate reminder signs have been positioned around the facilities to remind marina users of the requirement. 

 

Council members are very aware of the impact Covid-19 has had on the marine leisure sector and are very sympathetic and concerned that boat owners have been affected due to the pandemic. 

 

Your commitment to Hafan Pwllheli during this difficult period and throughout the years is greatly appreciated and valued by everyone. 

 

We hope that given the easing of restrictions in recent weeks you will have been able to return to your boat at Hafan Pwllheli and have been able to sail in Tremadog Bay once again.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact my colleagues at Hafan Pwllheli or myself directly if we can be of any further assistance.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Barry Davies

 

Barry Davies

Maritime Officer