Dover privatisation plan rejected - minister says other options exist

THE Port of Dover's proposal for voluntary privatisation has been rejected by the government, overturning a plan to regenerate the major ferry port town in the southeast of England.

The port located at the famed White Cliffs of Dover has been run as a trust for over 400 years and planned privatisation to redevelop its Western Docks, reported the British International Freight Association (BIFA) newsletter.

According to the British Transport Minister Simon Burns the proposal was turned down because there were other options to provide the funds for the gateway development.

Dover port CEO Bob Goldfield said the rejection was frustrating, adding that "developing the port, providing an important contribution to the regeneration of Dover, growing and adding value to the business, were key objectives and will continue to be our focus as we remain as a trust port."