WE would like to thank Tom Young for his letter last week, calling on Devon County Council to take into public ownership the boat parking areas at Weir Quay associated with the public hard owned by West Devon Borough Council. 

Various parties have in the past suggested the borough council compulsorily purchase either our previous clubhouse barn and associated boat parking areas, or just the boat parking. 

Meanwhile we do know we are running out of time to find a solution to maintaining a place where our members can keep their dinghies and gigs and keep sailing and rowing at Weir Quay. 

We agree entirely with Tom about the need to preserve the scenic beauty of the peninsula.  We are less confident that filling it up with tourists is the best way to preserve either the scenic beauty or the peaceful ambiance. As local residents we enjoy it as it is.

It is mischievous of Tom to write about the 'proposed industrial building'.  The boat shed will be a timber agricultural building, not an industrial structure.  This was an early suggestion by the planning department. It has been lengthened on the new plan by 2m to make room for basic toilet and changing facilities.   

With two busy clubs providing strenuous outdoor activity, we felt minimal toilet and changing facilities should be provided at the earliest opportunity.

Two months ago we were told our temporary licence to use the old clubhouse toilets will cease in October. This remains the situation, although with new ownership, change may be possible for the short term. 

In the current economic climate it is unlikely we will have funds for a clubhouse in the near future, or put in for planning permission for one. A footprint space for a clubhouse is indicated on the original and new plan so that all necessary levelling can be done at one time. We too wish to avoid it becoming 'a building site for years'and will ensure that this does not happen.

Our principle aim is to preserve the thriving sailing and rowing activities at Weir Quay, in harmony with the lovely scenery and for the benefit of our community on the peninsula.  We do not want to expand them.  We would prefer not to touch the green field. Given this green field is the only viable site option we know of we intend to ensure it is used well and sensitively.

Michael Poole

on behalf of Weir Quay Community Watersports