Harbour User Group (HUG)

Introduction

Bideford Harbour's commercial and leisure water users have come together to create the Port's first Harbour Users Group (HUG) which will act as an interface for information and best practice between Bideford Harbour and all its diverse stakeholders.

The Bideford HUG members will filter ideas, concerns and information both ways to widen the representation of user groups as wide-ranging as sailors, pleasure users, fishers and local councils, marine businesses, RNLI, HM Coastguard, environmental organisations and neighbouring harbour authorities.

Bideford harbour is entrusted to the Torridge District Council (TDC) Harbour Board to manage and improve the harbour on behalf of local stakeholders and the new HUG aims to make sure that everyone is represented, informed and involved in everything that affects how we all use the harbour safely and enjoyably, whilst respecting the outstanding environment and different users.

Terms of Reference

1.        The Port of Bideford has established the Bideford Harbour Users Group (HUG). The Port of Bideford Harbour Master will regularly consult HUG on all matters substantially affecting the conservation, protection, regulation, management, maintenance and improvement of Bideford Harbour and its navigation.

2.        Purpose - to allow Harbour Stakeholders to have a vehicle to express their opinions in the affairs of Bideford Harbour.

3.        The HUG shall consist of up to 10 representatives invited from the following organisations and harbour interest groups:

a.      One Bideford Town Councillor shall be appointed, nominated by Bideford Town Council or by a member of the HUG.

b.      One Torridge District Councillor shall be appointed, nominated by Torridge District Council or by a member of the HUG.

c.       One North Devon District Councillor shall be appointed, nominated by North Devon District Council or by a member of the HUG.

d.      Two shall represent Bideford Mooring holders, nominated by the mooring holder or by a member of the HUG.

e.      One to represent the Lundy Island Company, fishermen operating from Bideford and other Commercial Vessel Operators.

f.        One to represent the Bideford Harbour leisure users including Skern Lodge, Sea Cadets, swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders.

g.      One to represent gig rowing clubs.

h.      One to represent the Taw and Torridge Estuary Forum.

i.        One to represent Bideford Heritage Group / Way of the Wharves .

4.        HUG will meet twice a year, their meetings being interspersed with those of the Port of Bideford Management Committee, who normally meet every 3 months. 

5.        If the HUG does not receive a nomination for any reason from any of the organisations mentioned in Clause 3 a.to i. above, the HUG may, after consulting with other organisations it thinks appropriate, appoint a suitable alternative or none at all.

6.        This procedure will also be followed should any of the organisations mentioned in Clause 3 a. to i. above cease to exist or the function of the organisation changes significantly.

7.        The HUG shall not be obliged to appoint a person who is duly nominated in accordance with any of sub-paragraphs 2 a. to i. above but may request the body or bodies who made the nomination to nominate another person.

8.        The term of office of a member of the HUG shall be three years from the date of his/her appointment and, on ceasing to hold office, he/she shall be eligible for re-appointment for a further 3 years only: provided that a member of HUG may at any time, by notice in writing to the Bideford Harbour Management Committee, resign his/her office.

9.        The HUG may determine its own quorum and procedures.

10.    The HUG shall nominate its own Chairperson. Chair to be re-elected no less than every 3 years.

11.    Without prejudice to paragraph (1.) above, the Port of Bideford shall seek the views of the HUG on:

a.      Port of Bideford Management and Business Plan.

b.      Proposals to vary any charges in relation to business and recreational use of the harbour and its use by any vessels.

c.       The making of byelaws, directions or revision orders.

d.      Proposals to construct or license any significant works in the harbour including dredging.

e.      Changes to the use of the harbour.

12.    The Port of Bideford shall take into consideration any matter, recommendation or representation which may from time to time be referred or made to them by the HUG, whether or not it has been consulted by the Port of Bideford on the matter, recommendation or representation so referred or made.

13.    Any nominated member that misses two consecutive meetings shall be removed from the group and the nominating body will be asked to nominate a new representative.

14.    Members may nominate a substitute to attend the HUG meetings.

15.    A venue and secretarial support for the HUG meetings is to be provided by the HUG.

16.    An agenda and record of minutes of each meeting will to be produced.

17.    The Bideford Harbour Master (or substitute representative) will attend HUG meetings to observe and advise but will have no voting rights. Any serving Harbour Committee members may attend as observers if required.

18.    These Terms of Reference to be reviewed every 3 years.