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News

Bid for European funding to assist port development

The Borough of Poole is joining with other local authorities with ports in their area, on both sides of the Channel, to submit a bid for European Union funding.

The money would be to undertake research which could form the basis of an informal strategy to help ports like Poole maximise their economic potential.

The Council belongs to a group called the South East and Anglia Ports Local Authority Group which has appointed consultants MDS Transmodal to engage partners in France, Belgium and Holland.

A bid will then be submitted to the EU for a substantial contribution to the funding. Of particular interest will be the way in which ports and wharves contribute to sustainable development by:

· generating prosperity through employment, tourism and improved accessibility;
· encouraging the use of travel modes other than road through their role as links between short sea shipping, rail and road for both passengers and freight.

Cllr Jeff Allen, chair of Planning and Transportation Committee, said: "By enhancing knowledge we hope that key decision-makers in Government and elsewhere will be more inclined to support ports provided with the necessary infrastructure.

"In view of the recent announcement on the Poole Harbour Crossing, it is essential any alternative solutions have regard to the vital contribution which the port makes to the local economy."

By joining with partners and obtaining EU funding it is hoped that £784,000 worth of work can be secured for a contribution of only £2,000 from Poole. A decision on the bid should be known in the new year.


-ends-

David Ralph, Economic Development and Strategic Planning: 01202 633327