HARBOUR bosses insist council officials are listening to them about the future of the harbour.

At the port’s management board’s annual meeting, members did their best to reassure campaigners that the south quay developments would not be pushed through.

Chairman Cllr Michael Dixey said although the final decision would be made by a vote of all 50 members of the council, the recommendation would take into account what was best for the harbour.

Members of the ruling executive have already met with board members to discuss the plans and Cllr Dixey said it was a positive session.

“I think it is fair to say that neither the board or the executive are happy with any of the proposals that are being put forward and leave it at that,” he said.

But Harbour Watch member Jackie Cutler said people were worried.

“It is going out of Whitstable to Canterbury City Council and they are making decisions on Whitstable.

“How can we be sure they won’t push through something that the people of Whitstable don’t want?”

Chairman Michael Dixey said he was hopeful that would not happen.

*Full report in Whitstable Gazette, October 11