• The post you are reporting:
   
  The meeting was the Annual public meeting of the Calais District [CAP].
  
  I was asked to attend and speak following the CAP President Philippe Blet's Annual Address- Philippe & I have an excellent working relationship.
  
  Whilst Dover TC do the cultural twinning activities, DDC works closely with info exchange on Port, shipping & transport issues. We also engage on the green heritage and environment aspects as the French coastline mirrors ours.
  
  We will be engaging on Olympic events & crossovers.
  
  Obviously we had a serious conversation on SeaFrance & the community aspirations.
  
  Natasha Bouchart-the Calais Mayor was in Paris trying to deal with the French government on the successor arrangements to SeaFance.
  
  The EuroTunnel bid with the union co-op was very active despite DFDS & LD's proposals.
  
  I made the point that the EuroTunnel option could affect ticketing prices & be anti competitive.
  
  Philippe described the DFDS LD option as "social dumping".
  
  Of course it will be the deal with ships that clinches it.
  
  As always these are interesting exchanges but very constructive.
  
  No mention of the Euro!!!
  
  Spent yesterday with the Port's Minister, Mike Penning, DHB, DTC , People's Port etc. on the privatisation issue. Made the point that while we dither Calais' Port's proposals move on apace.
  
  
  
  Watty

Report Post

Your Name

Reason