COUNCIL chiefs are freezing fees in Weymouth Harbour for visiting yachts, boats and berth holders for 2014/15.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, which runs the harbour, says freezing fees has made the harbour ‘one of the cheapest places’ to visit or moor on the south coast.

Fees have been increased by at least the rate of inflation for a number of years.

Councillor Dominic Lonsdale, chairman of the Harbour Management Board, said: “We want to keep the charges at the same rate as 2013/14 to attract both visiting customers and more permanent berth-holders.

“There has been a misconception that we’ve held our prices high since the Olympics, which is simply not true, and we are very pleased we are able keep our prices as competitive as possible for next year.”

The harbour’s two council marinas have an average 80 per cent occupancy rate, said to be in line with most marinas on the south coast.

Cllr Lonsdale added: “We are actively maintaining and improving the facilities and infrastructure of the harbour which is highlighted by our increased reinvestment, especially in the lead up to the Olympics.

“I’m pleased facilities which were recently upgraded, such as the toilet and shower facilities, continue to be praised by harbour users.”

Two loyalty schemes are also currently being devised; one for repeat customers and the other for boats on Portland moorings that wish want to visit Weymouth.

More information about this is expected in early 2014.

The new Harbour Guide for 2014 and the annual newsletter have just been released. Both can be picked up from the harbour office at Custom House Quay or viewed online.

Charges and other information can be found on the harbour website at harbour.weymouth.gov.uk