Dover.uk.com

The Front Page. - Copy 189 (Port Development, Labour on Regional Growth, Deal Fundraiser)

12 July 2011



Major Port Development is clear for Government approval.



The final holding objections to the Port of Dover’s application for a Harbour Revision Order (HRO) related to its Terminal 2 plans were removed this week, paving the way for Government approval of the proposed second ferry terminal at the port’s Western Docks.

The Dover Straits market (Eurotunnel and Port of Dover) recorded 7% growth in Quarter 1 of 2011, which was the highest quarter-on-quarter growth seen in this market since Quarter 2 of 2006 (when growth was 8.5%). This is the fifth consecutive quarter of annual growth, since the end of the recession-led decreases in traffic seen in 2008 and 2009. This shows the importance of the Dover Straits as an international trade route and the need to plan to accommodate future growth in the market. Terminal 2 will do just that by doubling the footprint of the current Eastern Docks and providing an extra four large ferry berths for our customers when required.

Months of detailed consultation by Dover Harbour Board (DHB) with interested parties to address their concerns means that the HRO, a form of planning consent, is clear for final approval by the Department for Transport, safe in the knowledge that all outstanding objections have been removed.


As a result, plans to regenerate Dover’s waterfront also moved a step closer. DHB has been working hard with local partners, including District Council, environmental groups, water companies and the Highways Agency on an exciting programme of works that will enable the redevelopment of surplus land (which is not needed for port operations) around the Wellington Dock and Waterfront. Whilst linked to the proposed ferry terminal, DHB recognises the potential of the waterfront to kick-start the regeneration of Dover and so has agreed to provide significant enabling works in advance of Terminal 2 in order that the regeneration of Dover can move ahead as quickly as possible.

Initial work will establish the scale of development which would be acceptable to, and supported by, the community and local stakeholders while maximising the potential of the site. This includes looking at the range of uses for the site and development opportunities. It also includes a significant commitment to provide road access to the regeneration site.

Mike Krayenbrink, Director of Port Development said:


"We are delighted that the final objections have been removed to our Terminal 2 proposal. We have worked hard with all our stakeholders in addressing their issues and concerns in order that we can present a scheme that is well supported. This is a significant milestone in paving the way for a positive decision by Government and is a clear demonstration of our willingness to engage with our stakeholders in creating the right conditions for major port development in Dover which respects and reflects the desires of the community. Significantly, this also allows us to progress the waterfront development which is a key regeneration project for Dover."

The above is a press release direct from Dover Harbour Board.

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LABOUR URGES GOVERNMENT RE-THINK ON INVESTING IN REGIONAL GROWTH IN THE SOUTH EAST



Labour have called on the Tory-led Government to think again on the level of support it’s providing for the South East, calling for a repeat of the bankers’ bonus tax to fund regional growth by an extra £200m this year. The extra money would be used to stimulate growth and create jobs across England, including in the South East

Not one of the projects applied for in the South East was approved in the first round of the Regional Growth Fund, which was oversubscribed by 6 to 1.

Round two of the Regional Growth Fund has now closed, with hundreds of bids likely to be submitted from all over the country for the £950m fund.

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), which are being scrapped, have seen their funding for economic regeneration cut by two-thirds to £1.4bn over three. Only 50 projects nationwide were given financial support from the £450m first round, from a total of 464 project bids worth £2.78bn. In contrast, an independent evaluation of RDAs has shown that overall, every £1 invested by RDAs generated at least £4.50 for the regional economy.
 
Labour’s Shadow Business Minister Gordon Marsden MP pictured above said:
“The Tory-led Government has shown the South East that it totally underestimates the scale of the challenge facing the region. By rejecting all 33 bids to the Regional Growth Fund round one, it is clear they are failing to prioritise growth and jobs, and have instead chosen to cut too far and too fast.
“The Tory-led Government have cut regional growth funding by two thirds. Labour is calling for an extra £200m to be put into the second round of the RGF, funded from repeating the bankers’ bonus tax – a fair and efficient way to stimulate growth and boost jobs in the region.


Labour Leader of the Opposition on Dover District Council, Cllr Gordon Cowan, said:
“And the Tory-led government should explain why they’re not prepared to give regions like ours the same access to funding and assets they’ve allowed London to keep - worth hundreds of millions of pounds. We believe money and assets intended for the regions should stay in the regions.

“We have massive problems in this part of the South-East ranging from the closure of Pfizers to Operation Stack and so far we have seen no help from Government or the Conservative-led councils. Their occasional warm words are not enough.”

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The feature above is a Labour Party press release.
 


The Mayor of Deal Cllr Jim Cronk

held a drinks party at the Town Hall Deal on saturday night. It was a fundraising event for the Mayor's Goodwill Fund and although it was a relatively smallish event more than a £1000 was raised for the charity. Times are difficult for all these days, but people are still prepared to put their hands in their pockets and help out those less fortunate than themselves. A tremendous effort.

The picture left shows the Mayor himself photographed with the contingent over from Dover.

Left to right...Cllr Jan Tranter, a former Mayor of Dover herself, Cllr Jim Cronk Mayor of Deal. Cllr Mick Smith in the background, and in the foreground right current Deputy Mayor of Dover Cllr Ann Smith.
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