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  FFS what are you lot like?
  
  This thread displays all that is good and bad with internet fora.
  
  From my understanding helped by posts from Bob, Peter and Vic (yes that Vic) the position is a s follows:
  
  a) The Port is currently a Trust Port
  b) as a Trust Port it is unable to borrow money and can only create funds for future investment in one of two ways - either through putting profits to one side or by creating a special levy on port users
  c) The Port like any business needs regular investment to maintain its competitive edge and satisfy its customer base
  d) The current set up limits the Harbour Board to donations to the community of £100.000 pa
  e) Both the last government and the current one have indicated they would be comfortable with the Port being sold
  f) The current management want to sell the Port as evidenced by the Port Revision Order request submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport
  g) Doing nothing is not an option
  h) It may be possible to request a Port Revision Order that would allow the Harbour Board to seek external investment and or borrowings, however I cannot trace that any Trust Port has made such a request
  i) It may be possible to request a Port Revision Order that would allow the Harbour Board to set up a charitable trust to make more significant donations and/or grants to the local community, however I cannot trace that any Trust Port has made such a request
  j) The Harbour Boards preference is a trade sale to the highest bidder, this is likely to lead to the Port ending up in foreign hands and NO investment into the local community
  k) The "Peoples Port" proposal recognises that a sale is likely and is proposing a different vehicle (an Industrial & Provident Society) to effect the purchase allowing not only community participation, but also external investment from City Institutions, as well as borrowing. It also gives members a say on distribution of profits, membership of the executive board etc.
  l) There might be other alternatives, however those that intimate that there are will not give any details and I certainly cannot think what they might be from my research
  
  I think that pretty much summarises it
  
  I think "The Peoples Port" proposal should be given a chance, though this should not preclude consider all options.

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