Further talks to find a solution to broken sea gate at Glasson Docks

Ramsey based Mezeron so far unaffected

Further talks between the operators of the Port of Lancaster, at Glasson, and the UK Environment Agency are to take place this month in a bid to resolve a dispute which threatens the viability of the port.

A broken sea gate - which provides access to an inner dock and marina used by pleasure craft at Glasson Dock - has trapped vessels within the marina since February.

The port's river berths on the other side of the gate, used by commercial operators including Ramsey based Mezeron, are unaffected but until the Environment Agency repairs the gate, the financial burden on the operators becomes greater.

Among the vessels trapped in the marina are the Port of Lancaster's own pilot vessel which is used to guide commercial ships to and from the berths.

As a result the port has had to pay a third party to provide the service.

Chief Executive Elsabe White has, in the past few days, met commercial port users including Mezeron and given an assurance that they will be unaffected by the ongoing issue.

She told Manx Radio that invoices received by the port for third party services are being passed on to the Environment Agency for payment.

Her next meeting with the agency is scheduled for 15 of April.