WEST Mersea could become a harbour authority to get more powers to deal with speeding jetskiers, unauthorised moorings and recover sunken vessels.

The town council is looking into the benefits of following towns like Brightlingsea and Burnham in the scheme.

It is estimated the move will cost the town at least £25,000 in legal and administration fees.

Councillors say they are only in a fact-finding stage, but boat owners fear they will be hit with launching fees and price hikes for mooring.

Peter Clements, councillor and a member of the Waterside Forum, has been given the job of looking at the cost and ramifications of joining up.

He said: “Oystermen, fishermen and leisure users have co-existed for generations, but the problem is more and more people are using the place. It is a case of finding out what we would be turning down.”

West Mersea’s harbours are policed by the Colchester Council-funded water bailiff who patrols 35 hours a week from land, supported by West Mersea Yacht club.

Harbour authorities are able to create and police their own by-laws.

It has been suggested as one way of tackling holiday makers flaunting speed limits in the harbour.

David Tucker, town council clerk, said: “We are not anywhere close to a decision. It is a feasibility study into whether it is useful or not and what we gain.”

The council has been given a presentation by Richard Ballantyne of the British Ports Association. It has also contacted neighbouring Harbour Authorities to discuss the benefits.

Brightlingsea changed to a Harbour Authority under an Act of Parliament.

It charges leisure users, such as yachtsmen, £20-a-year “harbour dues” to use its water space.

Members benefit from policing and protection from the authority that looks after the harbour.

Bernie Hethrington, chief executive of Brightlingsea harbour, said: “It was felt there was a need to arbitrate between various users of the harbour.

“A harbour authority looks after the needs of its water space as a whole.”

West Mersea Town Council is interested in hearing from anyone who could offer funding or grants.