EUROPE

Call for more discussion on trust port plans

16 years ago

Despite the Port of Dover taking advantage of the UK governments ‘austerity speeches’ by saying that its plans to opt out of trust status were in line with the government strategy, there has now been a ministerial call for more discussion.

Dover will need to publish more information before going ahead. Photo: P.Kuczynski

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Mike Penning said that in recognition of ongoing discussions and the importance of the issue to all concerned, he has decided to ask Dover Harbour Board “to publish more information about the nature and likely impact of the scheme than was available at the time of the statutory consultation”. This will include details of the port of Dover Community Trust and Employee Share Ownership Trust.

This follows a recent announcement by the port that a key part of the port’s strategy – the community trust – could be established “in a matter of weeks”. Bob Goldfield, CEO of the Port of Dover added, “Mr Cameron wishes communities to have more control of their destinies and with government now less able to invest in regenerating places such as Dover, the port is providing a unique opportunity for the people of Dover to do just that.”

However, Mr Penning said that the extra time “will give those organisations and individuals with an interest in the port of Dover a further and better-informed opportunity to comment on Dover Harbour Board’s proposals”, adding that notices inviting written representations will be published in local newspapers, and those who have already written to the Department, including the local councils, local organisations and port users, are welcome to write again and provide any further comments they may have.

The period for further comments will run until Friday 27 August 2010.