Harbour Authority bars Trustees from parts of the harbour :
In pursuit of our aims and objectives we monitor the development at the Duver. We work to see it delivered lawfully, with minimum financial and environmental damage to the Harbour. We can see no reason to object, as achieving these aims would be advantageous to the Statutory Harbour Authority.
However, in reaction to taking some photographs of works at the Duver the Harbour Authority has barred all BHT Trustees from entering “this property [the Duver yard] and …. all other property and land owned by Bembridge Investments Limited, all pontoons owned by Bembridge Harbour Improvements Co Ltd and the yard operated by Bembridge Boat Storage Limited”. Simultaneously banning trustees from photographing the property or talking to building contractors.
The Harbour Authority’s position sadly exemplifies the lack of openness and engagement with stakeholders reasonably expected of Harbour Authorities.
Application to Secretary of State to investigate the allocation of £1.75m
The Department for Transport has requested time to consider the issues raised. The powers attributed in the High Court’s Judicial Review ruling appear to support the Department’s ability to perform its function of oversight of ports.
Bembridge Harbour Trust Report and Accounts
We are pleased to attach our report and accounts to 30th June 2023 to be considered at the AGM. MEMBERS, PLEASE JOIN US IF YOU CAN at The Cloisters, High Street, Bembridge at 5.00pm on the 15th December where a seasonally warm welcome awaits.
Funding
We thank those that have already responded to our funding appeal to match the £24,000 recently donated by the Trustees. We ask those that have not donated recently to help so that our efforts with the IWC, Natural England and The DfT can be efficiently progressed with professional guidance. Failure would see the Harbour disadvantaged yet again.
The Trustees
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