A new slipway is required and a resident is taking matters into his own hands.

Ray Bridges, who launches his boat from the public slip in Dartmouth, is determined to build a new slipway downstream from the upper ferry slipway. He is trying to form a team of volunteers, with skills ranging from group secretary, treasurer, civil engineering and construction, to plan and build the new slipway with increased width and a floating pontoon.

The river Dart is one of the town’s greatest assets. It is a major centre for waterborne activities on the south coast with moorings for 2,800 boats, three major marinas, three yacht clubs, two canoe clubs, a gig club and a rowing club but, as Mr Bridges points out, no satisfactory slipway for them or the several hundred visiting vessels which launch each year and a new slipway, fit for purpose, is essential if the town and local area is to make the most of the river.

He said:” Launching a sailboat, motorboat, RIB, gig, rowing boat, kayak, etc. onto the river has long been difficult and sometimes dangerous. The existing slipway is too narrow and affected by each ferry, its wash and its cables. It is in a poor state of repair and has a life expectancy of less than five years. Only one vehicle can access the slipway at any one time, resulting in queues for launching and recovery that can also impede the launch of the Lifeboat.

“Building on endeavours by previous groups, a charitable organization of concerned citizens under the chairmanship of Sir Geoffrey Newman, is being formed. The aim is to plan and construct a new slipway which will serve the rowing and gig clubs, the lifeboat, visitors, and locals wishing to launch or recover their small boats.

“Please contact Ray Bridges on email: [email protected] for more information if you feel you could help.”