20 May 2013
The pontoon at Bouley Bay has been returned to the water in time for the summer season.
The pontoon was removed in November last year for its annual winter storage, as well as usual maintenance checks and repair works. These have now been completed.
At the time, ownership and future responsibility for the pontoon was in doubt as the original association, which first applied for and received a grant from the Tourism Development Fund in 2004 to buy the pontoon, had since disbanded.
However, following positive discussions with Parish officials and interested businesses in the area, a new association has been established. Furthermore, Ports of Jersey has agreed to take on ownership of the pontoon and will take responsibility for future maintenance work as and when required, including providing public liability insurance cover.
New association
Chief Operating Officer for Marine at Ports of Jersey, Barry Goldman, said "I am delighted that doubts surrounding the future of the pontoon have been amicably resolved thanks to the establishment of a new association. Like many others, we are pleased to see the pontoon back in the water at Bouley Bay, in readiness for the forthcoming summer season."
Speaking on behalf of the newly established Bouley Bay Association, Mark Neal from the Water’s Edge Hotel, said "We have had some positive discussions with the relevant authorities over the winter period and we would like to thank the Ports of Jersey for its continuing support in ensuring that the pontoon has been returned to the water for the future enjoyment of swimmers and divers."