by Graham Tutthill

Plans to privatise the Port of Dover are being put forward by the harbour board.

Talks are taking place with the Department of Transport and the Treasury, and a scheme to bring in a private investor is likely to be submitted in the new year.

The plan would benefit the community, according to harbour board chief executive Bob Goldfield.

If the sell-off goes ahead, port employees could be offered shares in the new company.

MP Gwyn Prosser says he is “disappointed but not at all surprised” . He said he believed Mr Goldfield had always intended to privatise the port.

Mr Goldfield told the Mercury: “The government has recognised the strategic importance of Dover.

“The Port of Dover has ambitious plans for redevelopment and regeneration to unlock value for the local community and facilitate the predicted growth in UK trade flows.

“In line with government guidelines, we are considering a proposal which will allow us to deliver our plans, releasing value and benefits for the port and local community, our stakeholders, and the nation.”

The news that talks had been held with Dover was revealed in the House of Commons on Thursday when Transport Minister Paul Clark said he had met the director and chairman of the British Ports Association in October to discuss trust port issues, including modernisation.