KINGSBRIDGE Town Council does not support any of the three options currently being put forward to develop moorings at the head of the estuary.

At an extraordinary full council meeting held at the beginning of the month the council considered the three options proposed as well as points raised by members of the public – such as extending the current residents pontoon.

Option 1 is to keep the current berthing arrangements as they are providing 130 berths for vessels of up to 5.5m with 49 on the pontoon and 81 wall moorings. The advantages are that this would require no funds to complete.

Option 2 would provide 124 pontoon berths, six fewer than currently available. It would have improved access via two bridges but be more expensive than the other two options and would provide potential for vandals to jump from quay to pontoon.

Option 3, would provide 148 pontoon berths – with improved access via a bridge. It would also be less expensive than Option 2, use both sides of the new pontoon, have improved security and lose less foreshore.

Councillors agreed they 'supported in principle new berthing arrangements' – but rejected the options currently proposed, instead proposing a redesign of berthing arrangements to allow greater access to the head of the estuary and in particular to provide the Rivermaid ferry access to the Ferry Steps off Embankment Road.

The council has asked the harbour authority if they can see the consultation replies from the public and requested further discussion with Salcombe harbour master Ian Gibson on the consultation feedback and redesigned plan for berthing arrangement – a possible option four.

Town clerk Martin Johnson said: 'It will be interesting to review the public response to the consultation – and see if another option is provided which addresses current concerns but still provides access to Ferry Steps for the Kingsbridge-Salcombe ferry.

'But if an Option 4 is suggested then it does make sense the public should be given sight of it and comments requested.'

Harbourmaster Mr Gibson said: 'The consultation was extended to September 21 at the request of the town council, at which stage all of the feedback we have received will be considered by the board. A report is likely to go to the October board meeting. '