OPTIONS to cut the £112,000 cost of maintaining Ventnor Haven are being explored by the Isle of Wight Council.
The authority, which has paid Ventnor's Cheetah Marine £72,580 a year since 2011 to clear seaweed from the harbour, has commissioned engineering consultancy firm Royal Haskoning to investigate cheaper options.
It will carry out studies to see if the build up of seaweed and sediment can be reduced.
In addition to removing the seaweed, the smell of which previously blighted the town, Cheetah Marine also supervises harbour activities. Its responsibilities include cleaning the slipway and pontoons, inspecting mooring and collecting dues from craft using the haven.
The plans are due to be discussed tonight (Thursday) at a meeting of the Isle of Wight Council executive.
A report due to go before members also reveals seaweed was being deposited over the harbour wall back into the sea without permission from the Marine Management Organisation. The council has now obtained the necessary licence.
Ventnor Haven, leased to the Blake family for 125 years, lost £112,000 during the 2015/16 financial year, and £91,000 the year before.
Newport Harbour, the other harbour owned by the Isle of Wight Council, also chalked up losses of £164,000 during the last financial year — more than double the previous year's loss of £71,000.
• For more on this story, including an interview with Cheetah Marine's Sean Strevens, see the County Press tomorrow, Friday, January 13.