A statement on criticism over stalled Porthcawl Maritime Centre

Bridgend County Borough Council has rejected claims circulating on social media that it is in any way to blame for the collapse of a local independent project.

Chief Executive Mark Shephard said: “I am greatly concerned at recent suggestions that Bridgend County Borough Council is in any way responsible for the stalling of the charity Credu’s independent plans to establish a maritime centre in Porthcawl.

“I want to be perfectly clear that this has always been, and continues to remain, a community-driven project which is entirely separate from the council’s regeneration and investment efforts.

“From its very inception, the council has welcomed the project as being an interesting and valuable addition to our own regeneration plans.

“Whether it has been through the leasing of land at Cosy Corner or providing guidance and advice throughout a long and complicated planning process, we have offered the organisers a wide range of support.

“As we have approached this development in the same way as we would any other property disposal, we have also put in safeguards to protect the council.

“We are aware that the directors of Credu Charity Ltd filed a notice of intention in September to appoint administrators for the company and we have now received notification from Welsh Government that funding has been withdrawn. 

“As a result of these circumstances, the council has served notice to Credu Charity Ltd on their use of Eastern Breakwater, and have notified Credu that the lease for the land at Cosy Corner will be terminated on 6 November unless the organisation can meet its conditions of agreement, one of which is confirmation that all funding for the agreed development is in place.

“Despite what the criticism has claimed, the council also remains ambitious and passionate about delivering regeneration in Porthcawl, and work on our own plans is continuing.

“The authority has already been instrumental in delivering developments and investment such as the £3m town beach sea defences, the £3m marina project and the £2.5m restoration of the Jennings Building.

“Without the council’s involvement, the likes of the £1.5m Watersports Centre, the £300,000 seafront cycle network, the clearing of the development deadlock at Salt Lake and the £1m townscape heritage initiative which has restored the likes of the Harlequin Building would simply not have been possible.

“We are currently seeking clarification on what options may now be available so that next steps can be identified for the site at Cosy Corner.”