IN certain respects, the plan to transform the part of the Harbour which dries at low tide into a basin perpetually filled with water has much to commend it. It is undeniable that such a basin would be more attractive than the expanse of mud which is revealed when the tide goes out.

But there is much more to consider than the cosmetic effect that the proposal, put forward by Harbours, might achieve. From the point of view of the idea’s proponents, it would be an essential part of a £17 million masterplan for the redevelopment of the entire Harbour area. However, from the point of view of a great many people belonging to the Island’s boating fraternity it would signal the loss of a much-valued facility – mud berths for craft ranging from luxury cruisers to the most humble of small fishing boats.

The strength of feeling among boat-owners was demonstrated at the beginning of the week when Harbours staged a meeting to outline their plans. More than 300 members of the public turned up and the vast majority of them made it clear through a show of hands that they were opposed to what was on the table.

The objectors’ attitude was, moreover, backed up by searching questions about the scheme to transform the whole area known as the Old Harbour. It was, for instance, pointed out that the sill which would retain water in the basin would prevent some vessels from going to sea for up to five days a month because of tidal conditions.

Harbours representatives offered assurances that prices for moorings would not increase. They also said that the number of moorings available for Islanders would actually increase.

In spite of this, it is clear that the mood of the meeting was deeply sceptical. A far from implausible idea was dominant – that the end is in sight for a facility which for many years has allowed boating people outside the super-tax bracket to pursue their pastime at a reasonable cost.

It is questionable whether Harbours anticipated such a rough ride at their explanatory meeting, but they must now have a better understanding of the sort of opposition that they are likely to face, based on deep and strong local tradition.

Not everything in Jersey can or should be valued in purely commercial terms and they will have a great deal of work to do if they are to win hearts and minds among an important and potentially very vociferous lobby intent on blocking their
proposals.