MP backs Dover privatisation plan
Port looks for change in status, but ferry operators disagree
Dover MP Charlie Elphicke has backed a change in the status of the port of Dover, despite opposition from the three main ferry operators.
The port’s management has welcomed his support, which they said confirmed that “there is an appetite and a need for change”.
The port submitted a privatisation scheme to the Secretary of State earlier in the year, and said it would continue to consider carefully the ideas of any stakeholder.
However, last week Dover Strait ferry operators launched a stinging attack on Dover Harbour Board (DHB) over its privatisation plans.
Norfolkline, SeaFrance and P&O hit out at DHB’s consultations with them over the plan, describing them as a “meaningless waste of time” that had not made “one iota of difference”.
A spokesman for the three operators said: “The whole exercise has been completely pointless.
“DHB has ignored everything we have said and we now believe they are simply playing for time, keeping us at bay while they hope their privatisation approach goes through on the nod in the budget.”
Bob Goldfield, CEO, Port of Dover said, “We are pleased that Mr Elphicke has recognised that there may be better options for the port and particularly for the community than staying with the status quo.
“What is important is achieving what is best for the people of Dover, and remaining as we are will not deliver that.”
The port’s management has welcomed his support, which they said confirmed that “there is an appetite and a need for change”.
The port submitted a privatisation scheme to the Secretary of State earlier in the year, and said it would continue to consider carefully the ideas of any stakeholder.
However, last week Dover Strait ferry operators launched a stinging attack on Dover Harbour Board (DHB) over its privatisation plans.
Norfolkline, SeaFrance and P&O hit out at DHB’s consultations with them over the plan, describing them as a “meaningless waste of time” that had not made “one iota of difference”.
A spokesman for the three operators said: “The whole exercise has been completely pointless.
“DHB has ignored everything we have said and we now believe they are simply playing for time, keeping us at bay while they hope their privatisation approach goes through on the nod in the budget.”
Bob Goldfield, CEO, Port of Dover said, “We are pleased that Mr Elphicke has recognised that there may be better options for the port and particularly for the community than staying with the status quo.
“What is important is achieving what is best for the people of Dover, and remaining as we are will not deliver that.”
Click here to email the editor and comment on this story
Receive our FREE news email bulletin click here
- 13 − 15 March 2012
- 22 − 23rd March 2012
- 25th April 2012 for 12 weeks.
- 12 − 14 June 2012
