Sir,
Whilst agreeing that the North Walk area is in need of a general tidy up, I would like to take the opportunity to answer some of the points made.
Having identified a lack of boat parking space in the Harbour area, the Pembrokeshire County Council constructed a boat parking area on the North Walk. This was completed in 2003 and has been a permanent boat park ever since. The Sailing Club uses the narrow section and the wider section at the far end is used by others.
This area of the North Walk only became usable for masted dinghies when the two shelters with their large overhangs were removed. This has meant that the club has been able to run major UK National Dinghy Championships and is such a popular venue that we are booked up until 2017.
During these events we do rely, however, on the extra space provided between the permanent seating on the lower level and too much extra seating would cause us some problems.
The Sailing Club is continually monitoring the boats parked in its area and ensures that they are used regularly. In fact, it is in our interests to do so as there is a waiting list for dinghy spaces. Only two weeks ago one boat was taken to the Salterns skips as it had been left in the undergrowth.
We can reassure the complainant that we will do everything we can to keep our area tidy and identify any abandoned boats and take the necessary action.
One complaint we continually receive from our members is the dog fouling in amongst the dinghies. Some dog owners seem to think that allowing their dogs to go between the boats keeps the fouling out of sight. The boat owner sees it when it's too late!
Blake Shaw,
Hon Secretary,
Tenby Sailing Club.