Community trust launches bid for “people's port” of Dover

A community group has launched a bid to transfer the Port of Dover into community ownership ahead of the expected announcement of the port's privatisation later this month despite the harbour board's doubts over the legality of any transfer to the community.

The Dover People's Port Trust – a community trust - needs to raise several hundred million pounds through public subscription and institutional lending, with contributions starting at just £10.

The Conservative MP for Dover, Charlie Elphicke, told the BBC:  "I see this as the big society, the people of Dover getting together to take charge of their future, regenerate the town, regenerate the seafront and build the infrastructure that we need to take Dover to the next level."

However, the Dover Harbour Board's chief executive Bob Goldfield, said that transferring ownership of the port to a community trust would be subject to legal challenge if other bidders were not allowed to tender for the asset.

The Dover Harbour Board – which has run the port since the 17th century and operates as a trust -  requested government approval for privatisation in January to enable it to borrow the money needed to maintain and expand the port.

"We are convinced that only the DHB scheme is practical and in line with all of the government's stated objectives, one of which is to hold an open and transparent sale,” Goldfield said,  "If the people's port proposal can legally be achieved, which experts advise is not possible, meet all of the government's objectives and be competitive, it will no doubt be at liberty to bid."