ABC in the past has used Harbour Users Groups to consult with harbour users, but these are not currently being used by ABC and there appears to be a void in public consultation. The damage to the transit pontoons is such that public consultation is required. Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA) issued the following email to members: -
Basically, if you have an interest in the transit pontoons, likely wish to use them, then contact Kirsty Flanagan at ABC and request that she consult with harbour users about the status and proposals to repair this very useful facility. The council works for all of the public, no matter where they live, on ABC matters, and as such it is entirely reasonable that interested people should be consulted on matters associated with the pontoon facility.You are probably well aware that there has been significant damage reported to the wavebreaker at the N Pier and, as a consequence, this is out of use and may be out of use for some time. The OCHDA Management Committee believes that this matter, and possible mitigation/management, should be discussed by harbour users through whatever normal consultation mechanisms are in operation.
In the past (up to 2018 but not since) a Harbour Users Group (HUG) met from time to time and would have discussed this. More recently (2023) the Council announced its intention to establish new 'consultative forums' in each of its (!) harbours where such matters could be addressed. Neither of these mechanisms is operating and, as a consequence, there is no structure for the Council to consult with harbour users as a group. Experience suggests that harbour users are likely to be able to suggest ways to reduce the impact of the problem and will, in any case, be the people most affected by both the problem and the resolution.
I am writing to suggest that all harbour users should write to Kirsty Flanagan (Kirsty.Flanagan@argyll-bute.gov.uk), the Duty Holder, requesting that a meeting is convened, as a matter of urgency, where harbour users can be fully informed and properly consulted about the plans for the coming season.