As well as the report from Cathy and Oliver from Sunday’s public meeting in Freshwater to discuss the idea of a harbour, the event was also captured on film by local resident, Joe Briscoe.
As you’ll see from the video footage below, the general consensus from the room of 150-200 people was that a harbour was not wanted in the bay.
Protection of the unique coastline was an important driver for many, not to mention fears of rotting seaweed, as has been experienced in Ventnor, blighting their bay.
“Wrapped up in three months”
Cllr George Cameron, who chaired the meeting, said afterwards that he was concerned the voices of those who do not live in the area had not been heard. He planned to approach the two local parish councils and residents’ associations to seek further feedback.
He went on to say that he’d like to get the matter “wrapped up in three months, I do not want it to hang over our heads and become a talking point for months and months on end.”
Cllr Cameron ended by saying that he had changed his mind slightly adding, “I was supportive of it, but you have to protect the area as well. You need to leave something really nice for the children and if you could preserve it, it’s great as well.”
As Joe says in his closing words, this is something that is going to remain on the agenda for quite a while.
