Oban group supports new council proposals for permanent pontoons

A COMMUNITY group which campaigned for a transit marina in Oban Bay has given its backing to plans for a permanent facility brought forward by Argyll and Bute Council.

For eight years Oban Bay Marine ( OBM) campaigned for pontoons, raising a significant amount of money through pledges for its scheme.

After many years of discussion, Argyll and Bute Council has now agreed to take forward plans for a permanent solution for seafarers to the town centre. A spokesman for OBM said: ‘The directors are pleased to learn of Argyll and Bute Council’s area committee decision to proceed with the option to deliver a permanent berthing facility for Oban by 2017, including cruise ship tender berth and transit marina for visiting vessels.

‘After eight years of developing proposals and campaigning for such a facility, OBM is pleased the council has finally made this decision and wish them every success. The spokesman continued: ‘The council’s decision follows the success of its recent pontoon development, and lessons learnt, at Campbeltown, plus their decision to retain the temporary cruise ship tender facility at the Oban Times slip, rather than develop a further interim solution for 2015/16. OBM has provided the council the benefit of their expertise, groundwork and local knowledge, and continue to offer their full support. The directors take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported them and their proposals over the years, especially the local businesses and individuals who have provided funding or who have provided services at no cost - your support has not been in vain.

‘With the council having committed to moving the development forward, the directors of OBM are now setting about winding up the company and look forward to 2017 and to the benefit that the development will finally bring to Oban.’