MALDON: Council supports Plymouth project

By [aleys]

AMBITIOUS plans to bring the HMS Plymouth to dock at Maldon has gained support from Maldon town council.

The Chronicle revealed the proposal, to moor the 'living museum' at Sadds Wharf, with hopes to bring 80,000 visitors to the maritime town. But the project has received a mixed response from people in the town.

Former District Council Chairman Brian Mead said: "It's a fantastic idea but it hasn't been thought through logically.

"The HMS Plymouth is a massive ship and the Blackwater is only 12ft deep, so how can she be moored at Maldon?

"I can see why there is a lot of interest in her. It would be a great draw, not just for the sea cadets but for visitors. But we are talking about a giant warship.

"Maybe they could house her at Burnham where the water is deeper."

Maldon town councillor Rob Hawkins has been allocated as a liaison officer after they agreed to back the project.

He said: "It was discussed and there are a handful of us who are still looking to make it happen, and we are the kind of people who don't give up easily.

"It is still a viable option and we are going to have a meeting next week to discuss feasibility.

"We still haven't approached the owners of Sadds Wharf, so it is very much the early stages.

"We also need a lot more than £160,000 because that is just the basic cost of moving her here from Birkenhead.

"She also hasn't had any work done on her for two years and has also got water inside her to balance her out."

Chronicle reader Vivienne Upson, of Great Totham, said: "I think bringing HMS Plymouth to Maldon is a great idea.

"I went to visit her some year ago and it was absolutely fantastic.

"It would really put Maldon on the map for tourists."

The meeting will be held on July 7.

What do you think? Should HMS Plymouth be moored at Maldon?