Steamer faces safety inspection

Published 7 Sep 2010 10:00

THIS month’s ‘Rock the Boat’ event could be the last for the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer after the venue’s increased capacity licence was rejected.

The vessel is due to hold “Rock the Boat 2” - a musical showcase of young and established musicians including the likes of The Complete Stone Roses and Steve Craddock of Ocean Colour Scene.

It is a sequel to a similar event held last month on the historic vessel, with funds raised going towards getting the Maid sailing again.

But at a West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board meeting on Wednesday, the owners of the vessel, the Loch Lomond Steamship Company (LLSC), had its request to increase the capacity to 600 rejected - and instead could see it slashed to just 60.

Members of the LLSC have been left stunned at the decision, which means the venue’s current capacity of 260 may now be in jeopardy and the fundraising event, due to be held on September 25 and 26, could be the steamer’s last.

Operators must now justify the original capacity of 260 to Building Control officials at West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) in order for the concert to go ahead as planned.

The main reason for the rejection and the revised capacity was due to there only being one escape route aboard the ship.

John Beveridge, director of the LLSC, said: “We are disappointed at the recent decision of the Licensing Board.

“We have an excellent safety record and although we wish to develop our business, we will be carrying out risk assessments and meeting with officials from the council in order to agree a way forward.”

The operators of the paddle steamer will meet with Building Standards on Thursday (September 9) and perform a risk assessment to attempt to justify the capacity of 260.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 07 Sep 10

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