Former Somerset boss steps in to run harbour firm

The former head of Somerset County Cricket Club has taken over the running of Watchet's marina.

Andrew Cornish and businessman Alexander Roger have become sole directors of Watchet Marina Ltd.

This comes as berthholders complain of "worse than disappointing" conditions at the marina.

The marina firm is promising the return of fuel sales and full electrical refits as well as more dredging.

Mr Cornish also had management positions at Manchester and Liverpool Airports, as well as Irish airline Aer Lingus.

His appointment comes at a time of anger around the harbour's management, around the levels of mud, and the lack of working facilities.

The marina, owned by Somerset Council, had been leased for some years by businessman Tim Taylor, who in 2021 sub-leased the asset to a firm known as The Marine Group, led by Christopher Odling-Smee.

However, berthholders have told the BBC their frustrations around the lack of security, the absence of dredging and struggling facilities.

Kate Jeffreys, who moors a boat in the harbour, told BBC Radio Somerset: "I've been sailing for a few years now and I've been really happy to have my first boat here.

"She's called Greta. It's been really fun for me, getting to enjoy sailing from Watchet.

"Unfortunately, they haven't got the facilities I need here. It's worse than disappointing.

"The mud is just one of the stories. There's also a story of chronic under-investment in what should be the jewel of Watchet."

Mr Cornish said him and his team were "really excited" about working with the local community and making the harbour better.

"We've got some priorities there, first of all is get some water in the marina. The gate is not operating properly and it's got a lot of mud in there," he told BBC Radio Somerset.

"We're making really good progress on dredging. The most important thing is get the gate up, get the mud out, so the marina has water all the time."

He added everyone who invested in the project is a shareholder and "invested in it".

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts from Somerset Council said: “I’m delighted that the future prosperity of Watchet Marina has finally been secured after a lengthy but meticulous process.

“We look forward to working with the team at Western Marinas Ltd to build on the progress that had been made rehabilitating the Marina, taking it forward to become a source of local pride and a jewel in the crown of our west Somerset coastline.”

Tim Taylor and the Marine Group have been approached for comment.

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