Volume Four - An Era of Change, Uncertainty, Depression & War - Penarth Dock closure in 1936 . . .

The Company’s receipts at the dock have for some years been inadequate to cover working expenses, and in 1932 a proposal to close the dock was deferred in response to views expressed by local interests in regard to trade prospects, coupled with a generous offer by Lord Plymouth to forego, for the time being, the royalties payable to the Plymouth estates. The anticipated revival in trade did not materialise however, and, as the steady decline in business is still continuing, the substantial and consistently increasing loss which has resulted has now rendered it imperative that the dock should be closed.

The tidal coal shipping berths in Penarth Harbour will still be available for use, however, and access will continue to be given to vessels desiring to proceed to the premises of the Penarth Pontoon & Ship Repairing Company, which are situated in Penarth Dock.

The question of the staff who will be displaced upon the closing of the dock has received detailed and sympathetic consideration, and the Company intend to make such arrangements as will cause the least possible hardship to the men concerned.

It is not anticipated that the closing of the dock will result in any loss of business, as the whole of the existing trade can quite easily be accommodated at Penarth Harbour and the adjacent ports of Cardiff and Barry.