by Graham Tutthill

Port boss Bob Goldfield has made an impassioned plea for the people of Dover to get behind the harbour board’s privatisation plan.

He says he believes it is almost a last chance for the town to benefit from the increase in business which the port is expecting to enjoy in the next decade, and he is critical of missed opportunities in the past.

“It would have been good if we could have told the government the application had the full support of the community,” said Dr Goldfield.

“The consultation period ended two weeks ago, and it is now for the Secretary of State to approve it, throw it out, or ask for amendments. I expect he will approve it in the next couple of months.

“We will then wait until after the legal challenge by the ferry operators – which we expect to take nine or 10 months – and we hope to complete the sale by March 2012.

“We will be very happy to write a cheque for £10 million for the community, and give them the share certificate, on the day the port is sold.

“But Dover appears to be turning its back on it, and if it is not careful, they could lose it. We are saying: 'Here it is guys, grab hold of it, support it.’

“Privatisation is not a big ogre. It’s the next natural step for this port which is too big to remain as a trust port.”

Dr Goldfield has also challenged MP Charlie Elphicke to give more details of his plans for a People's Port. The port chief executive says he believes the plan is undeliverable.

Full story in the Dover Mercury, on sale now.