TEIGNMOUTH Harbour is without a master or a deputy after the pair resigned within weeks of each other. Roger Gibbons handed in his notice last week and it was agreed with the Harbour Commission that he would not work out his three-month notice. Harbourmaster Capt David Platt left in March saying he had 'no choice' but resign his position. River users have described the situation as 'farcical.' They are concerned about what has led to the departure. Chairman of the Teign Fisherman and Waterman's Association and a member of the harbour consultative body, Peter Stenner, said: 'The manner in which these members of staff departed is farcical. 'The chairman of the board should be looking at how this situation has arisen and what changes need to be made,' he said. Harbour commissioner Mark Layton said it was a difficult situation but maintained it was an operational issue. Mr Layton said: 'Without a doubt it is difficult without a harbourmaster and, obviously, without Roger it means a more difficult situation. 'It is about the day-to-day operation of the commission. 'Like with any employer, there is an amount of fluidity with staff and they do move on. 'We will deal with that but it is not a policy matter. 'There will not be a change in policy in terms of the commission or the way we operate, just different guys implementing those policies,' he said. In the meantime, Teignmouth pilots will be responsible for large ships, while Mr Layton is managing moorings and leisure boats. New recruits to man the dredger Teign C come on board within a month and they will be expected to multi-task to fill the shoes of the deputy. A replacement for Capt Platt is expected to be found within six months. Chairman of the harbour consultative body, Roy Lightfoot, described the situation as 'shambolic,' 'Being without a harbourmaster and a deputy is not satisfactory and there is definitely concern about the day-to-day running of the harbour,' he said. The matter will be discussed at the consultative body's meeting on Monday.
