‘DO something about the sewage by Spring next year or we will be forced to mothball’ was the ultimatum Campbeltown Berthing Company gave Scottish Water this week.
‘We have a standard of care to clients and operators and we can’t put them in danger,’ said David McAllister of Campbeltown Berthing Company. ‘This has been the worst summer in the six years we have been here for raw sewage in the Loch. We have a duty of care for our clients and operator’s health and safety and if this is not sorted we will be forced to mothball the company.’
The berthing company has lost atleast 1000 boats in the past six years because of the smell of the Loch and the reputation Campbeltown now has.
Mr McAllister said: ‘The smell is putting people off coming here. They are basically sailing on sewage and you can’t do a job without getting covered in it. At a period at the beginning of August there was little water in the Loch, just sewage, it is really worrying that we have no option on this.’
Recreational activities have nearly stopped in the Loch with Campbeltown Lifeboat doing their exercises outwith the waters and dinghy sailing in the area stopping soon because of the health and safety risks.
Chairman of Kintyre Initiative Working Group Councillor John Semple understands the reason for this decision. He said: ‘The health and safety of those who work there and the people who use the pontoons is first and foremost the most important thing.
‘Whilst this is dissapointment because this facility does allow a lot of money to be put into the community, particularly given the problems with the Ferry link being established, the Waterfront Development and Vestas, it seems like another blow.
‘This is understandable as nothing is moving forward and the people working there and the customers come first. It is a very difficult and brave decision and here’s hoping we get something done about the Loch as quickly as possible. The responsibility now lies with Scottish Water and the government to get a solution.’
Chris Toop, Scottish Water’s Regional Manager for Argyll and Bute said: ‘Scottish Water is working hard to find the best solutions to this issue. We understand the concerns of the local community and that is why addressing this matter is one of our key objectives in Argyll and Bute. We have been liaising closely with the pontoon operators to better understand their issues.
‘Scottish Water has put in place a dedicated team to establish the best way forward, identifying solutions both in the long and short term. As part of our phased approach, work on such short term resolutions is already on site. It is our aim to identify solutions which will deliver environmental improvements for Campb
