A row has erupted over a shakeup at Dover Harbour which, it was claimed, could cost scores of jobs.

Furious MP Gwyn Prosser accused the harbour board of jeopardising safety and betraying its loyal workforce.

The port plans to stop running its dockside operations from early next year.

Instead the jobs, involving quayside services such as berthing gangs and unloading, will be outsourced.

About 190 workers are affected.

The board says it has started discussions with staff and union representatives about the changes which, it says, will give a measure of choice in who provides certain services.

Mr Prosser, a former officer on cross-Channel ferries, said a third of the workforce could go.

He said it "beggars belief" that their loyalty should be betrayed in such a way.

Mr Prosser has discussed the plans with the board's chief executive, Bob Goldfield, and with the local trade union convener, Gary Punton, and plans more meetings.

Mr Goldfield said in a statement: “The port is unable to generate the economies of scale generally enjoyed by traditional labour supply organisations.

"We therefore propose to create the opportunity for certain front line services to be provided at the port by licensees.”