BHT’s Trustees are disappointed by this decision, not only by the Judge’s findings on the limited questions in front of her (this case was solely about loans made by the harbour authority, the provision of security by the harbour authority to cover other companies’ borrowings and the use of revenues including profits to fund loans in the year to March 2020) but also for its implications on the ability for the community to hold the harbour authority to account on use of its funds.
We are advised that there are fundamental errors in the decision and are considering an appeal, not only because of the specific findings, but also its broader ramifications.
The decision has had at least one positive outcome: it affirms that the Local Harbour Act in general, and section 31 in particular, applies with full force. (This puts an end to argument by some members of the community that the harbour legislation does not apply to Bembridge because it is privately owned).
BHT note: Section 31 sets out how all profits must be applied to the harbour, with a exception of a reasonable return on the share capital which currently stands at £4,000.
The court’s confirmation of the status of the Act underlines the position that artificial reduction of the Harbour’s profits, such as by sales at undervalue (eg the sale of a houseboat plot for £1) must be questionable.
Though this setback is disappointing, rest assured BHT will continue to seek to protect the communities’ interests, in line with its charitable objectives and with vigour.
The Trustees
Enough is enough. Bembridge Harbour is in the hands of people who really care about it, not a bitter bunch as is the BHT.
For christ sake Jeremy let it go, this is a personnel vendetta, using other peoples money,hiding behind charity status,which in itself seems more suspect,than what you are accussing Mr Thorpe of.
Why not put your energy into doing something positive for the Harbour,instead of constantly making a fool of yourself.
By the way who asked you, to be the Guardian of the Harbour,why haven’t you put your money into these pointless judicial reviews..
Let it go,or buy the bloody Harbour,so you can then run it by the book,as you seem so self righteous