DARTMOUTH'S new Town Jetty will reopen on Sunday, March 15, after a major upgrade by Dart Harbour Navigation Authority.

In total, 22 pontoon sections have been installed to replace the floating part of the jetty, with significant improvements.

Consultation was carried out with commercial users to enhance the design of the pontoon with features such as improved fendering, encapsulation of piling, improved cleats, improved electricity including three phase and improved deck lighting incorporated into the design.

The improvements will now allow leisure vessels to berth on the inside of the pontoon without being restricted by the piling which, during the busy summer months can cause inconvenience to visitors.

'The new pontoon is a considerable achievement and an illustration of our desire to improve river infrastructure for users both commercial and leisure alike,' said harbourmaster Capt Rob Giles.

'I would like to thank the commercial river boat companies for their input into the design of the pontoon and I would also like to pay tribute to deputy harbourmaster Nick Clarance for leading this excellent project.'

The pontoon has been designed to withstand standard industry projected environmental impacts such as floods and storms and loading from passenger vessels. ?

The project is part of Dart Harbour's ongoing investment into upgrading facilities on the River Dart with more than £500,000 being invested back into the river over this winter.

Capt Giles added: 'On completion of the fitting of the pontoon, it's worth noting that the vast majority of public use pontoon stock in the river will be less than 10 years old.'

The project is the culmination of a 12-month procurement project to seek the best value and most robust pontoon for the river's commercial and leisure users.

The work is being carried out by Inland and Coastal Marina Systems.