Our members, the majority of whom come from Beachley, Sedbury and Tutshill, are extremely concerned at reports that, whilst the Forest of Dean District Council is considering the future of the old pier and slipway at Beachley, it has indicated that there are no rights of public access to this facility, and future public use may depend on whoever takes it over.

This ancient slipway has been used by locals and the public for the launching and recovery of boats and fishing for as long as anyone can remember, and at the turn of the 19th century, public regattas were held on the slipway.

It is the only reasonable access to the Severn for most of its length between Newport and Westbury-on-Severn, and the public and sailing clubs in the area have enjoyed full use for many decades. On sunny weekends, it is a common sight to see boats and jet skis launching from the slipway.

If access to Beachley slipway is denied at some future time, it would have a catastrophic impact on the boating and yachting communities, especially in this area of the Severn, as well as damaging the enjoyment of the general public, some of whom come from far and wide to launch their boats and jet-skis. The slipway is mentioned on many boating and jet-ski internet web sites as a safe launching point, and navigation pilot books as a place of refuge.

The slipway was purchased in 1995 from the National Rivers Authority by the Forest of Dean District Council for the sum of £1. One must assume that their motive in so doing was to retain it for the benefit of the community and the public at large.

I urge the council to keep this strategically important slipway under public ownership and to ensure that the long-standing public access is protected for future generations. I hope your readers will show their support by signing an on-line petition, which has been set up on the web site http://www.beachleyslipway.co.uk">www.beachleyslipway.co.uk.

– The Secretary, Chepstow Boat Club.