Agenda item

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Captain Jary from the King’s Lynn Conservancy Board attended the meeting and provided the Panel with an update on the work of the Conservancy Board, as attached.

The Chair thanked Captain Jary for the update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Kemp addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and asked about the state of pollution in and around The Wash and for the Conservancy Board’s thoughts on the proposal for the Wash Barrier.  Captain Jary explained that the Conservancy Board had a pollution plan in place, support from a national body, response equipment and monitoring was also undertaken by IFCA.  It was explained that over the past two to three years levels had been good and clean.  Captain Jary explained that sewage spills were not within the remit of the Conservancy Board and small spills often did not show up on the monitoring equipment as they did not affect the pollution levels.

In relation to the Wash Barrier Project, Captain Jary explained that it was concerning that the Conservancy Board and other port authorities that would be affected by the proposals had not yet been consulted.  He explained that there were concerns, but he awaited the detail and that the proposals would have an impact on the natural environment of the Wash.

Councillor Bullen asked questions relating to visiting crafts and Captain Jary explained that he worked closely with the Council on the operation of the Pontoons and provided navigational assistance to visiting pleasure craft.  He supported plans for the improvement of the facilities available at the Pontoons.

Councillor de Whalley asked questions about the accessibility of the Ferry and what work the Conservancy Board was doing to tackle climate change.  Captain Jary explained that the Conservancy Board was not responsible for the Ferry, but commented that there was not an easy solution to improve access. 

With regards to Climate Change, Captain Jary explained that sea level rises were discussed at Conservancy Board meetings and the Board had a duty to safeguard craft and offices.  Siltation was also managed through byelaws to ensure that the cut was deep enough for ships to pass through, and this year some dredging would be required to take silt and sand out of the system.

In response to a question from Councillor Parish, Captain Jary explained that the Conservancy Board’s Annual General Meeting was open to the public and papers from meetings were available from the Conservancy Board upon request.

In response to a further question from Councillor Parish relating to sea water quality which had resulted in a shellfish ban and flow from rivers, Captain Jary explained that the ban on shellfish was due to natural pollutants which could not be controlled.  He also explained that there were many factors that could affect the flow from rivers including the amount of inland rainwater and how much water had been diverted.

Councillor Bubb commented that the Ferry was not fit for purpose and Captain Jary explained that it was not an option to use Common Stathe Square as a Ferry landing stage as it was used for ship traffic and turning into the docks and would be dangerous.

RESOLVED: The update was noted.