Dredging work has begun in Newlyn harbour in preparation for the building of pontoons for small fishing boats and recreational vessels. The project, which is being funded by the European Union and the Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners, heralds the start of regeneration work in the harbour, and will provide a total of 80 berths.

The new pontoons will include a single separate berth intended for tenders coming in from liners that visit Mount's Bay, with the existing RNLI lifeboat berthing pontoon being relocated into the new pontoon layout.

Currently, the "small boats" berth next to other large fishing vessels, which poses a potential risk of damage to the boats and to crew members who have to clamber over each vessel to reach the shore.

The dredging material being removed from the harbour contains contaminants and therefore cannot be tipped at sea. It is currently being removed to Sandy Cove, where access to the public is being temporarily reduced.

The new pontoons will be held in place by piles. These will be drilled into the ground and the pontoons later floated in and connected.

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