As reported in The Cornishman/West Briton

Future of Hayle sluice gates to be decided tonight

Thursday, February 21, 2013

The Cornishman

 

THE future of historic sluice gates in Hayle is set to be decided at a council meeting this evening.

The 11-tonne old sluice gates that used to be operated alongside Hayle's swing bridge were uncovered in July 2011 during excavations for the new road at North Quay, and stored at construction company Carillion's compound. But the £16 million infrastructure project is nearly finished and a new home must be found for the gates or they will be disposed of.

Hayle Town Council discussed the problem earlier this month.

A suggestion the gates be installed on the King George V Memorial Walk was rejected for health and safety reasons and councillors resolved to ask if they could be reburied for preservation.

The mayor, Jayne Ninnes, said it had since been realised this would cost too much and the council would now look at options again, including revisiting the idea of putting the gates on the memorial walk.

"We have had a risk assessment carried out ... I don't want to see them broken up but we have got to be realistic about spending the town's money on such a project."

The main frames of the gates are intact but the rest is in poorer condition.

The harbour's sluices were officially opened in 1834 and ran effectively until 1971 when the decline in port trade led to them being closed for the last time.

If you have an opinion on what should be done with the gates contact Hayle Town Council as soon as possible, by calling 01736 755005. Or have your say at tonight's meeting at the council offices at 58 Queensway, Hayle, at 7.15pm.