Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services summarising incidents and events in the Harbour and covering issues currently under consideration by the Marine Director.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

The Committee was informed of a rising trend of anti-social behaviour, including fighting, drug use, criminal damage and causing alarm to public. It was also noted that more people were jumping from the A27, railway  and M27 motorway bridges, putting themselves and others at risk. It was reported that the Marine Director’s office was working closely with Eastleigh Borough Council, local parish councils and local police forces, with a police forward base now stationed at Hamble Lifeboat station. 

It was also noted with regret that 2 cardiac-related fatalities had taken place on the River Hamble, and note was made of the need to ensure free and open access to jetties to ensure timely treatment. 

A question was raised if anti-social behaviour extended to on the water. In reply it was stated that it did, and that they worked closely with the Hampshire Police Marine Unit to resolve these incidents. 

A further question was raised regarding role of Police from outside Eastleigh such as Fareham. 

In reply it was noted that the office has good relations with both Fareham and Eastleigh Police forces.  It was discussed that a focus was put on trying to persuade and correct abusive behaviour, though police intervention had been swift when it was called in. 

In the light of these recent fatalities,s  clarification on the availability of defibrillators was asked for. 

In reply, it was stated that a defibrillator was maintained on site at the Harbour Office,   In the event of a casualty, ambulance services, HM Coast Guard Rescue Teams and Life Boats also possessed devices. 

A question was raised regarding a recent oil spill at Swanwick, and what was being done to stop them. In reply, it was detailed that plans were maintained by Marinas to address local spillages and that the Harbour Authority maintained its own organic capability and contract with a service provider.  Local Marinas also took their responsibilities very seriously.  It was noted that the River was vulnerable to pollution from various sources, among them fuel, bilge oil, the M27 bridge and outfalls from pipes and that the collective drive was to minimise these by sound planning.    

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the content of the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services summarising incidents and events in the Harbour and covering issues currently under consideration by the Marine Director.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

The Committee was updated on the status of the M27 drainage into the Hamble and were told that Highways England no longer had the funding for the project. The Committee was told that in reply to letters sent to 3 local MP’s the Director was informed that the matter would resolve, though Director did not express confidence in this reply.

The Director informed the Committee of incidences of anti-social behaviour including trespassing and swimmers putting themselves at risk.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the content of the report.