A PROJECT to repair and refurbish historic sea gates along the Severn has been awarded £50,000 of government funding, while a £1.9 million project to improve the harbour and its access has been rejected.

The gates at Lydney Harbour, a scheduled ancient monument, will be restored with Coastal Revival Fund (CRF) support.

The larger bid, to the government’s Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) aimed to attract more visitors to Lydney Harbour and docks, but it has been relegated to the reserve list, the Review has learned.

A spokesperson for the Forest Council said: “We have been notified that, for the moment the CCF bid has been unsuccessful but that this project has been placed on a reserve list should further funding become available. What we do not know yet is how many other projects are on the reserve list, or if these reserve projects have been ranked in any order of priority.

“We have also been notified that the CRF bid has been successful. This project had more of a historic asset theme and, as the harbour sea gates are part of the scheduled ancient monument at Lydney Harbour, we are delighted to have made the case for their urgent repair.

“This project has already secured sche-duled monument consent to proceed with the repairs but does need match funding from the Environment Agency to proceed. 

“As the chair and landowner at Lydney Harbour, the agency will lead project implementation.

 “We hope that, when combined with other partner funds, work will be able to begin later this year to repair the outer sea gates as part of the ongoing improvements and regeneration taking place in the local area.”

Sarah Evans, Commodore at Lydney Yacht Club, said: “On behalf of the club, we are delighted to hear that the CRF bid has been successful.

“Having the gates repaired will enable the club to move forward and, once again, welcome the many visitors that sail up the channel to spend time in the beautiful harbour. We are a unique yacht club, offering an interesting historical past. 

“In addition, this will provide the local community with an opportunity to enjoy a working harbour and watch the boats coming in and out, which often draws a crowd. 

 “Finally I would like to convey our thanks to the district council for all they have done to make this happen.”

The Forest Council spokesperson added: “The Environment Agency currently owns Lydney Harbour and Dock and is responsible for operational management.

“It has been tasked to dispose of the harbour and has run a disposal process which has identified Richard Cook, of Severn and Wye Smokery, as the Preferred Custodian.

“The Environment Agency and Mr Cook are working through the due diligence required to allow this landholding to transfer to a private owner.  This process requires a Harbour Revision Order to enact the land transfer which requires parliamentary time. 

“The land transfer work will not affect Mr Cook’s plans to regenerate Pine End Works site and his aim of investing in a new manufacturing plant, eel farm and food and drink destination.  Mr Cook is aiming to submit a planning application for this in April.”

The canal and basin at Lydney Harbour was built by the Severn and Wye Railway and Canal Company in the early 1800s to export the area’s iron and coal.

The CRF funding has been given under Section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.