RESTORATION HOPES . . . Annan Harbour has a rundown look

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Harbour future under discussion

ANNAN Harbour will not be overlooked in the project to create a meaningful masterplan for the town’s regeneration.

That was the pledge from Councillor Ronnie Ogilvie, chairman of the Annan Common Good sub-committee.

Mr Ogilvie met officials at the Burgh Quay on to assess the current state of the once thriving port.

It follows concerns expressed in recent weeks that the now rundown historic harbour might be a low priority in any regeneration schemes.

The £40,000 professionally-produced masterplan, covering the entire town, is seen as essential before any attempt can be made to attract funding for projects.

It will be used to demonstrate local aspirations and ideas for improving the town economy and environment.

Mr Ogilvie said he would encourage people with an interest in the harbour area to strengthen the case for improvements by submitting their suggestions for the study in the next few weeks.

He confirmed that the Burgh Quay was owned by the Annan Common Good Fund, which was funding regular maintenance to the paved area

But he revealed he was in discussions with the council and their contractors DGFirst to see if the area could be tidied up and maintained to a higher standard.

Councillor Ogilvie stated he was keen to see the harbour, which once had fishing, cargo, passenger and ship building trade, was not forgotten in the final masterplan.

He said: “Some of the suggested improvements to the harbour would require significant investment.

“The Common Good Fund itself has limited balances and annual income, which would stop it from solely funding the more expensive schemes.

“One option that should be explored is attracting private investors to improve the area as part of a wider regeneration scheme.

“A lower cost option is to improve the environment and create access for people to enjoy the area.”

Among those who Mr Ogilvie met at the harbour was former Annan Fishermen’s Association secretary Malcolm Willacy.

He has suggested raising the height of the quay to combat flooding and extending it westwards to create a riverside marina and a possible area for residential or other commercial development.

That would, he believes, open the door to the town taking a share of the growing demand for a safe haven, particularly in the winter, for leisure craft.

He said: “This would bring people with spending power to visit the town on a regular basis and help local businesses.

“It would be an investment which would improve the look of the harbour and bring a lasting return to the town.”





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