Railing about safety
The harbour view from Chichester Marina is now despoiled by a metal railing anchored every few metres with uprights.
Should you stroll toward the foreshore to enjoy the panorama you must also negotiate chains and posts that have been erected for ‘your safety’ around yachts on the hard. Ironically, they are set at ankle-to-knee height, depending on the catenary at your tripping point! To protect the unwary, after sunset, the area is flooded with bright LEDS, effectively obliterating any night vision.
Should you sprawl headlong, rest assured because though unable to see the heavens either for pleasure or traditional navigation, ambulant stickmen symbols will guide you between reflective paint strips on the path between the pontoon and shower blocks.
How things change. Sailing is one of the last bastions of freedom. If unchecked the loss of our liberty will be irreversible. I don’t want to come down to the seafront and find more notices and barriers, ‘This Rail Is For Your Protection’, ‘Danger Do Not Drink The Sea Water’. We need areas where we can be left to think for ourselves. Another reason for my writing in is that I cannot sleep. The marina LEDS are flooding the saloon and even with curtains drawn and my cabin lights off I can still see clearly to write. John Horler A Premier Marinas spokesman responds:
Whilst Mr Horler has not been in contact with us, what he highlights are important safety and energy-saving measures and we naturally take our responsibilities extremely seriously. We work hard to ensure Chichester Marina remains safe and accessible to our berth holders and the wider public who also have access across the site. LED lighting is helping us significantly reduce our site energy consumption and installations have to comply with requirements for what is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our marina teams are always available locally to discuss any aspect of our operation.