Tayinloan Pier repair wood is second-hand, says resident

A TAYINLOAN man has alleged that recent repairs to the village’s ferry pier have been completed with used timber.

John Roney, 66, told the Courier that he first raised the issue of rotting stanchions at the pier last October and again in January when they featured in the paper.

Mr Roney said on Monday that during recent improvement work on the pier just two stanchions had been replaced and that it appeared to him deck beams had either been turned over or replaced with second hand wood.

New and used

Mr Roney said: ‘I spent my life working in forestry and I know what new and used timber looks like.

‘I think the council has a laissez faire attitude towards the pier. Central government do not do anything because it is not their responsibility. This is why infrastructure is going downhill.

‘There is probably not much money in the kitty and they just spend what they have.’

A Argyll and Bute spokesman strongly disagreed with Mr Roney’s allegations and said: ‘The council is in the process of completing a £75,000 improvement scheme to Tayinloan Pier.

‘The project involves replacing timbers where our expert engineers consider necessary as well as installing an anti-slip surface on the decking to ensure the safety of cars and passengers in wet weather.

‘In carrying out repairs to our piers, we try to ensure any new materials we install look similar to what is already there, which is why the new, specially treated marine timbers have a weathered/aged look to them.

‘This is a vital piece of infrastructure which makes CalMac’s lifeline ferry service to Gigha possible, keeping the island connected with the mainland, which is why we continue to invest in the structure.

Surveying

‘Argyll and Bute’s 39 piers and harbours are vital to the local transport network and the economy, which is why we are continually surveying them and performing maintenance work where required.

‘This year alone the council will spend around £1 millionto ensure these assets meet the needs of our customers.’