Harbour investment plans

A key part of Scarborough’s historic harbour is set to be reinforced to improve working operations for fishermen and goods vehicles.

The £140,000 scheme goes before Scarborough Council’s Cabinet next week when members will be told in a report by chief executive, Jim Dillon, that the work aims to strengthen the north wharf which was built nearly a century ago.

He said the work is needed following a decision to restrict the weight limit of vehicles using the wharf to 3.5 tonnes. He explained: “The restriction has compromised harbour operations and has resulted in a significant change to the way the harbour operates.”

Mr Dillon said users of the harbour, which dates back some 750 years, needed to unload direct from their vessels to refrigerated heavy goods vehicles. He added: “Since the load restriction has been put in place, goods vehicles have been loading from the West pier which has led to a loss in productivity. More importantly this method is unable to adequately deal with increases in volumes of fish catches such as those in the scallop season.”

Cllr Mike Cockerill, said: “The inability to provide a viable, efficient location to land directed to refrigerated vehicles would more than likely result in fishing boats using alternative harbour facilities at other ports.”