The sea around Helensburgh to be dredged

The cessation of dredging the coastal waters around Helensburgh many years ago has resulted in a considerable build-up of silt. This is of particular importance at the pier as continued silting there will restrict the access of the “Waverley” and the Clyde Marine ferries and tenders from cruise ships.

INITIATIVES

• Commission a survey to determine the structural integrity of the timber pier and instigate a “stitch in time” maintenance programme.
• Introduce a programme of dredging in the area around the pier and the approaches to the pier. This must be both thorough and sustained so that vessels such as the Waverley, the Scottish Strathclyde (DES) Passenger Transport ferries and cruise ships’ tenders can berth successfully at all states of the tide.qw
• • Reinstate the landing stages to the rear, eastern side of the pier to enable small crafts to berth.
• Install a pontoon near the pier end of the waterfront for visiting yachts and liner tenders.
• Build a groyne across the shore opposite James St. Import sand into this area.

N.B. In the document, Initiatives that can be achieved fairly quickly are marked “-qw” (quickwin)

"To turn the vision into reality is a very big job, but it is well worth doing. We need to stop the neglect of Helensburgh, turn it around and put it on the road to excellence."

The Helensburgh Vision Steering Group