Council responds to Aberystwyth marina criticism

A marina company has reiterated its frustration at Ceredigion County Council over a two-year wait to obtain an operating licence in Aberystwyth.

The Cambrian News reported the frustrations faced by Western Marinas earlier this week.

In response, Ceredigion County Council said: “The council can confirm that it has received applications to assign the Aberystwyth Marina Lease from the Administrators of Aberystwyth Marina Ltd (in administration) to Western Marinas Ltd.

“The reasons for refusal to date have always been fully explained in the council’s response to the administrators and have included a requirement to ensure liabilities for Business Rates and Rental payments are paid and the associated accounts kept up to date.

“The council remain in correspondence with the administrators and expect a further request to be submitted in the near future.

“The council remains fully committed to bringing about improvements to the harbour area and wider town, as part of its economic strategy.

“We are unable to provide any additional information to that above as lease assignments are a legal matter.”

Johara Sykes-Dale, Managing Director of Western Marinas said in response: “We welcome Ceredigion County Council confirming that it remains committed to improving Aberystwyth Harbour and the wider town.

“At the time of the first lease application being submitted two years ago, Western Marinas was a new operator with new management and new financial backing.

“Since then we have demonstrated our ability to operate and invest in marinas at Cardiff and Watchet, and we have the funding and plans in place to make significant investment in Aberystwyth Marina.

“We are fully prepared to meet our own contractual and financial obligations as the operator of the marina, including rental and business rates, and we have made this position clear throughout our discussions.

“Our frustration is not with the council seeking to protect its financial position.

“We understand and respect that responsibility.

“Our frustration is with the lack of willingness to engage in a meaningful discussion to agree a path forward two years into Western Marinas operating Aberystwyth Marina on behalf of the administrators when we have demonstrated what we can achieve for marina customers and local communities at our other locations.

“We believe the council has a clear opportunity to secure the future of the marina and allow Western Marinas to invest with confidence.

“The marina is an important asset for Aberystwyth and Ceredigion.

“It currently supports local employment, attracts visitors and boat owners to the town and has significant potential to contribute much more to the local economy.

“We have identified a programme of investment which includes essential infrastructure improvements, dredging, boatyard facilities and the potential for additional employment and apprenticeships.

“We remain committed to working constructively with Ceredigion County Council and the Harbour Authority to resolve the outstanding matters and reach a position where the lease can be assigned to Western Marinas.

“We hope that the next application will allow all parties to move forward positively and, most importantly, provide the certainty needed to invest in Aberystwyth Marina and realise its full potential.

“Western Marinas wants to be part of Aberystwyth's future, not its past.”