A public consultation is underway about plans to build an accessible landing stage for the Brightlingsea ferry on Point Clear.
The plans aim to replace the current pickup point on the beach at St Osyth Stone with a purpose-built walkway – running across the marsh opposite Brightlingsea Hard – and pontoons in the creek so that the service can be used at all states of the tide and in stronger winds.
Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners – who operate the ferry – say that the it provides a crucial shortcut for residents, holiday makers and users of the coastal cycle and footpath, but points out that the current access is unsuitable for wheelchair users and difficult to cross for those with prams bikes. The area is also a unique breeding habitat for oystercatchers and terns.
The plans are the work of a project team that has jointly formed from members of Brightlingsea Town Council and Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners. Display boards (below – click for larger versions) are on display in the Hard shelter and Brightlingsea Library. – has now released its been working on this, with the result that an ambitious plan is now being launched for public consultation. The three illustrative boards can be seen below (shown on link above) and are also on display in the Hard Shelter and in the New Street Library.
For more information, visit the Harbour Commissioners’ website.
