by Graham Tutthill

More than 5,000 people have said they oppose the sale of the Port of Dover and want it to become the "People's Port".

In a parish poll, held in the town, 5,244 people voted "yes" to the question.

It was: “Do you oppose the private sale of the Port of Dover as proposed by the Dover Harbour Board and support its transfer to the Community of Dover instead?”

Another 113 voted "no". But that meant only 5,370 voted in total, just 25 per cent of the number who could have taken part. Thirteen voting papers were spoiled.

But there are arguments as to whether the turnout was good or disappointing. Vic Matcham said it was poor while town Cllr Chris Precious described it as "brilliant".

Dover District Chamber of Commerce Chairman Barry Williams also said it was "excellent".

Kieran Ring, chief executive officer of the Global Institute of Logistics, contacted the Mercury to say he strongly disagreed that a 25 per cent turnout ws "poor" as the headline on this story suggested.

Suggestions by some people that the 75 per cent who didn't vote were against it have been rubbished by others.

The Unite union had thrown its weight behind the proposal a week before the poll, but a decision by the government on whether Dover Harbour Board will be given the go-ahead to sell the port is still awaited. Some sources say the decision is “imminent”.

The parish poll was organised following a public meeting at Dover Town Hall arranged by the People's Port project. That is being strongly supported by MP Charlie Elphicke.

Voting took place during a five-hour period yesterday evening at 11 polling stations.

The result is not binding on any authority - and the cost of the poll isn't known yet either, but is expected to have cost ratepayers thousands of pounds.

A spokesman for the district council said the full bill would have to be met by the town council.