Impact of a busy Eastern Docks.
- 28 August 2011 16:24123454Playing Devil's ,advocate can anyone illustrate to me how a busy Eastern Docks now benefits Dover.The majority of the work force down there are run off there feet,they are now very few in number and are largely out sourced or agency .They are on relatively low incomes,with very little spare economic capacity.The town it's self is largely ignored and does not enter the consciousness of the average traveller.The residue of the monies spent or paid is diminishing in it's returns to the local community.From my perspective a 'busy' port has now become meaningless to our collective well being,the economic 'bounce' is now felt in the pockets of a well known few.
- 28 August 2011 17:35123464gone are the days of the port and ferry companies being great employers for the town, changing shift patterns have scuppered that.
we are left with the choice of bob's community port or neil's peoples port, either of which offer boundless riches to us all once the government stop dithering. - 28 August 2011 18:04123480It does worry me Howard that the Port has become rather a millstone around the town's neck.The powers that be and their reliance on the revenues generated from it have left the community vulnerable.I wonder if there has been some investigation into a worse case scenario strategy on the declining economic benefits derived from the Port.
- Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
28 August 2011 18:14123488of outsousing the mooring gang [ex dhb] are now split in half,one half went to p&o and the other half went to g4s. - 28 August 2011 19:59123510As Mr Heron will testify, the happiest days of my working life was on the CST for the DHB.
The Customer Service Team, We drove or often on foot going round the car parks looking after customer interests, information for all companies, 1st aid and much much more.
All gone now and no one gives a toss how the public cope, they are left to get on with it.
grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet. - 28 August 2011 20:52123520I could not have put it better Mr Lillford
- 28 August 2011 20:58123521A business operating in Dover will 99.9% of the time be good for the community, it is just the scale of benefit.
it always amazes me when people complain about a business in Dover not being good for Dover. Even it is employs 1 person or has to spend a few pounds in Dover to operate the business it is good for Dover. Sure if it employs more Dover people and spends more money in Dover it is better for Dover, but let us not knock a business that employs someone from Dover and spends money in Dover
Trevor - 28 August 2011 21:02123523maybe you should ask the stout burghers of aycliffe, snargate street and townwall street trevor?
they are the ones that suffer from the incessant traffic, pollution and inconvenience of blocked roads.
no benefit to them at all. - 28 August 2011 21:12123525I'm sure the docks could still offer the same service I have just posted on, but WHO would take that on board?
Mr Heron my good man, we are long over due for a chat and a pint. Does the Lady P still keep you in the cellar.
grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet. - 28 August 2011 21:32123530Surely "out sourced or agency" is still people employed ?? Can't send that to India !!Been nice knowing you :)
- 28 August 2011 21:52123535Sadly, John, it is all down to economics. Having spent several years as a seasonal worker (Penguin) for DHB when there was a high level of interaction between staff and passengers it is strange to drive through nowadays and not speak to anyone other than at the check in booth. In financial terms it is obviously a success but in terms of a personal experience it is a disaster.
- 28 August 2011 21:53123537IF I was offered that same job tomorrow Paul I would drop everything and go and do it, I loved it.grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.
- 29 August 2011 07:47123555I have to agree with Trevor, a business operating in Dover HAS to be a benefit to the community here, whether large or small employer.
In the case of DHB, they bring millions of people here, year after year and many of those, spend money here - some don't of course, but many do.
The local firms that supply other local firms are all employing people, all getting wages and helping them and the local economy.
You loved it Ian because you love helping people and get a buzz from that help you give.
I remember when Tracy and Heidi used to do the PARK for local kids and all the work you did at the Maxton Allotment; then their was the River Watches (I still have the t-shirt) and I'm sure there are many other examples.
Roger - 4 September 2011 03:08124581With the end of the holiday season, here is a picture of passengers landing at Dover from a channel ferry at the end of the holiday season in 1907.
My own outfit, DFDS, has increased its share of tourist traffic as below (Google translation):
During high season in July, has succeeded DFDS to increase its share of tourist vehicles via Dover to 33 percent, which is a new record. This is equivalent to that in July were transported 130,000 cars on board at the company three ferries on the route between Dover and Dunkerque.
"It's a fantastic result for both operational staff and commercial staff on board and ashore. It is especially impressive when you look at that our staff have handled twice as many vehicles per tourist. departures compared to both our competitors in Dover, "says Director of Passenger Services in the Channel, Chris Newey.
The largest company in the market through Dover transported 168,000 cars in seven ships. (P&O)
"It's been a real team effort where the freight department has worked closely with the passenger department to free up space where the need was greatest. Meanwhile, our operations staff managed to keep turnaround times and low fuel consumption at a time of great pressure," says Chris Newey. - 4 September 2011 03:10124582I am sure Howie
is in that photo.Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter) - 4 September 2011 06:38124587Well done to DFDS.
Don't they all look smart and very well dressed.
Roger
