THE first meeting of a new committee designed to bring Dover Harbour Board closer to the community is due to take place later this month.

Customers, representatives of regional and local government, trade associations and local business and residents groups have accepted an invitation to attend the inaugural meeting of the Port of Dover consultative committee.

"I am delighted with the response to participate," said Dover Harbour Board chief executive Bob Goldfield. "This is a forum for all those with an interest in the port to have a say in its future through their representatives."

The committee meets on September 26 to discuss its terms of reference and objectives, and to elect a chairman. The board will report on its new management structure aimed at making the organisation more responsive and pro-active to customers' needs.

Progress will also be reported on a number of issues raised at the board's annual consultative meeting in May, including updates on road and rail access to the port. The meeting is not open to the public.