News

P&O, NorfolkLine and Sea France have accused Dover Harbour Board (DHB) of abusing its monopoly power and misleading them.

The ferry companies claim £60m they provided to pay for a second terminal at the Port of Dover is now earmarked to cover a deficit in the DHB pension fund according to the BBC website.

Legal action has been threatened but DHB said it was "extremely surprised" at the claims it had abused its monopoly powers and the board said many statements were "inaccurate or simply wrong".

In a joint letter, the ferry companies said they had learned the second terminal was "no longer an immediate priority due to the privatisation process and there would be no obligation on the new owner to actually build it".

It is understood the DHB is to press ahead with its sell-off plans.

A statement issued by DHB said: "It is entirely premature to be talking publicly about issues which we assumed would be discussed privately for at least another three to five months in order to reach mutual agreement and understanding.

"It is upsetting that these operators would therefore go as far as to hold a press conference, again without our knowledge."

Dover and Deal MP Gwyn Prosser said plans to sell off the port had been thrown into "chaos and confusion" following threats of legal action and allegations of financial irregularities.

Mr Prosser raised the issue in the Commons and urged the Leader of the House to call an emergency debate.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010