Whatever the pros and cons of taking sand/aggregate from the Goodwin Sands I fail to see any logic in the latest media / advertising campaign onslaughter by Dover Harbour Board.
First threaten the very people who will benefit from the development of leisure facilities as part of the Western Docks Revival program. Then ask for their help by supporting them.
Yes, the Western Docks needs developing. Yes, the present cargo facilities are indequate. Yes, DHB facilities need to expand to meet exisiting and future needs. Yes, the docks and harbour are an essential part of the future of Dover - for the town, the leisure facilities and visitors from both land and sea.
I have no opinion on the issue of the Sands; do not possess all the relevant information required to make a judgement, and even if I did, there is a good chance that I would not be in a position to formulate any meaningful viewpoint.
If Dover Harbour Board wishes to differ from the views of those that oppose the dredging of the sands then their present advertising campaign does no justice to their cause. If they have a view (as we know they have) then why not just state your case? Why go the the depths of a public relations exercise that simply gets the backs up of all those they are trying to canvas for support?
The Harbour Board knew from the outset they required a licence for the extraction of 2.5cu metres sand/aggregate from the Goodwins. They knew they did not have one. They knew they had to apply for one. They knew that previous applications had been difficult and were by no means easy to obtain. Despite the Evironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) obtained and submitted to the MMO they knew there was always a chance that they might not get approval.
Any development the size of the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) requires serious assessment and contingency planning. They had a finite source of finance for the project so it would be even more essential that these considerations are at the forefront of their plan. Just as vitial are that these are formulated and introduced into the development at the right time.
If it should come to pass that DHB fail to deliver the full leisure facilities shown in their literature, billboards and media presentations, then it will not be because of opposition from the GoodwinSandsSOS campaign. It will not be due to any lack of support from the people of Dover and District. It will fall squarely and absolutely on the Harbour Board, their Directors, and their PR machine - and no-one else.
Sorry DHB, I support a lot of what you do but IMHO you have this one very wrong.