Limited use of harbour

The sea entrance to the harbour is a narrow channel between the two piers, which is impossible to navigate in big seas. The photograph at figure 29 showing wave conditions between the piers suggests why.

The channel is approx. 100 metres long and 13 metres wide and is known to be one of the most dangerous harbour entrances in UK waters. On average the entrance channel can only be used 200 days a year. This severely restricts the commercial and leisure opportunities with negative economic consequences for fishing and tourism.

Damage to vessels moored in the harbour basin

High levels of wave disturbance often lead to boats being damaged especially during winter storms.

The shingle bar, which develops, is a significant navigational hazard and again restricts access to the harbour. See figure 30.

Up to 300 tonnes of shingle have to be removed annually by mechanical means. Improvements to the harbour and access also give an opportunity to increase the fishing operations at West Bay by attracting a Fishing Harbours Grant.

Slipway

The old slipway is only 4 metres wide and allows only limited access to the harbour. Also the harbour dries out at low tides. Relocation to avoid congestion by the busy entrance road to West Bay was also necessary.

A diagram showing the objectives of the 2002 West Bay Coastal Defence and Harbour Improvements Scheme is shown at figure 31.