Hartlepool Fish Quay

[Dave Taylor]

Can someone advise me please regarding access to the fish quay. Are members of TBC allowed access or should we not be there. I wandered in last week when the gate was open and then nearly found myself locked in when I came to leave a short time later.

[IanF]

Access is granted by the goodwill of the Fish Quay owners/staff. No one should be entering unless they have express permission even if the gate is open. There's a speaker phone on the gate which connects to the site manager who works Mon-Fri. Even if the gate is open you have to request permission to enter. He's very obliging and usually permits access provided they're not too busy which is mainly when the fishing fleet is either leaving or returning. Also you have accept liability for your own safety and let him know when you're leaving.

On weekends you have to locate someone on site and request permission to enter and likewise to leave. You're more likely to risk being locked in on a weekend as there's not as many staff on site and some leave early plus some members of staff maybe not as obliging as others!

Speaking to the manager last week he said they're considering withdrawing access to everyone as too many birders have been wandering in and out without permission. Others have been a nuisance by leaving and returning several times which interferes with work. It would be a shame to lose access to the Fish Quay due to the inconsiderate actions of a few people.

[Dave Taylor]

Many thanks for that information Ian. As I am one of the guilty parties, I shall in future contact the site manager. It would, as you say, be a great shame if access to the site was withdrawn.