Calls for urgent action over Saltash pontoon defects

SALTASH town councillors are being asked to approve urgent remedial work to the Jubilee Pontoon after serious corrosion was discovered on its articulated walkway, raising concerns over public safety and the long-term maintenance of the facility.

A report to Thursday’s Services Committee recommends delegating authority to the Town Clerk Sinead Burrows, working alongside two members of the Pontoon Working Group, to arrange and oversee the necessary repairs.

The work would be funded through the council’s Saltash Recreation Areas earmarked reserve, with expenditure required to remain within the approved budget provision.

The concerns follow an inspection by town councillor Scott Slavin, who has a professional background in marine engineering, and reviewed the latest inspection report from Primrose Marine before carrying out his own visual assessment.

He identified significant corrosion to part of the steel structure supporting the articulated walkway, including an area where the bottom of a box section had deteriorated to the point where very little material remained.

He also found that the side railing frame had corroded completely through where it meets the vertical supports on both sides of the walkway.

In his report, Cllr Slavin said the deterioration required urgent attention because the strength of the structure would have been significantly compromised.

He questioned why the problems had not been highlighted in Primrose Marine’s inspection, which was dated March, and said he would have expected a photographic record to accompany a condition assessment.

The town clerk has since contacted Primrose Marine and arranged a site meeting for November 12 to discuss the defects and the remedial work required. A verbal update will be given to councillors at Thursday’s meeting.

Cllr Slavin also raised questions about the condition of the pontoon’s buoyancy sections and supporting pillars, particularly the parts below the waterline, where their condition remains unknown.

He recommended introducing a formal inspection and maintenance regime, including annual inspections with photographic evidence and a grading system to identify defects according to the urgency of repairs.

He also called for a separate inspection programme to be established for underwater structures, including the pillars and pontoon floats.

Other issues identified included marine growth, which could damage protective coatings, algae on wooden decking that could create slipping hazards and protruding screwheads which could potentially cause injuries to pontoon users.

Cllr Slavin said the wooden decking itself appeared to be in generally good condition and should provide years of further service.

The report also highlights wider concerns about the ongoing management, maintenance arrangements and future financial sustainability of the Jubilee Pontoon.

Financial figures for 2026/27 included in the report give an indication of the financial commitment involved in running the facility during the current financial year.

Income from the Trusted Boat Scheme, annual mooring fees and daily mooring fees is forecast at £16,691.75 for 2026/27. Against that, pontoon maintenance costs are listed at £5,775.60, with staff costs estimated at approximately £5,164.60.

However, the figures provided do not yet represent a definitive picture, with the council warning that several costs remain subject to change, particularly staffing expenditure and the forthcoming insurance renewal.

The report describes the pontoon as an asset which is not intended to generate revenue for the town council but instead represents an ongoing investment in a valued community facility used by residents and visitors.