REPRESENTATIVES from businesses and local groups met with the port authorities on Thursday for the first forum to discuss issues affecting the world's biggest passenger ferry port.

Residents and watersports organisers joined with councillors, civil servants and trade representatives for the inaugural Port of Dover consultative committee.

More than 30 people were at the meeting, chaired by the Port of Dover chief executive Bob Goldfield, who has worked with such committees in his work with airports where they are a statutory requirement.

Mr Goldfield said: "This committee will enable the community to have a voice in the development of the port.

"The influences of Dover as a port stretches to the environs of London and maybe even beyond."

He told the forum they had a "tremendous responsibility" as the issues they would discuss were long term plans that may have an effect in 100 years.

The Harbour Board reported on its new management, and there was discussion on the port's investment programme and the need to improve road and rail links.