KENT NEWS: The shipping minister has called for a month-long cooling-off period on privatisation plans for the Port of Dover.

Mike Penning wants Dover Harbour Board (DHB) to publish further information about its sell-off proposals and more exploration of alternative People’s Port options: the Port of Dover Community Trust (PDCT) and Share Employee Ownership Trust.

“Dover is a vital piece of our national infrastructure and it’s important that residents, port-users and other organisations have a say in its future,” said Mr Penning.

He said extending consultation until August 27 would “give all individuals with an interest in the Port of Dover a further and better informed opportunity to comment on the board’s proposals”.

The newly elected Conservative MP for Dover and Deal, Charlie Elphicke, said: “I’m delighted the Government has delivered on our election pledge to review the sell-off proposed by the previous government.

“I intend to put forward the People’s Port bid so the people can own our port. I remain opposed to the plan for a fire-sale of our port to the French or whoever.”

The delay also represents a victory for the port’s primary users, ferry operators P&O, SeaFrance and Norfolkline.

They broke off “pointless” talks with DHB about their future at the port a month ago, with a joint spokesman claiming: “The board has ignored everything we’ve said and we believe they are simply playing for time, keeping us at bay while they hope their privatisation approach goes through on the nod.”

P&O chief executive Helen Deeble then wrote to Mr Penning advising him of the breakdown with DHB and that, in lieu of an appeals process, her company would make a formal complaint to the Department for Transport. DHB put on a brave face this week though.

Chief executive Bob Goldfield, said: “We are committed to consulting seriously and thoroughly throughout the ongoing restructuring process and this latest representation period fits perfectly with that commitment.

“The momentum for change is building and we now have the chance to explain further how we can achieve positive change through a credible proposal that can work for everyone.”

A statement added: “The port remains convinced that its proposal will deliver a strong and viable Port of Dover with the ability and drive to play a bigger part in society, making a real and positive difference to the community and country of which it is proud to be a part.”

• LUXURY cruise liners will begin sailings between Dover and New York City next year.

Holland America Line (HAL) has chosen Dover as its UK home port for 2011 and will feature trans-Atlantic trips docking in the Big Apple.

These will include nine round trips between May and August using two ships and Mediterranean, Scandinavian, Baltic and Norwegian fjords cruises are also to be scheduled.

Kate O’Hara, marketing director at the Port of Dover, said: “Following on from their increased commitment to Dover this year, we have continued to develop our relationship with HAL which has resulted in this fantastic cruising offer.”