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Response to the statement by Unite on the privatisation of the Port

Today's statement by union Unite has failed to grasp the rationale and driving force behind the Port of Dover's voluntary privatisation scheme.

Unite claims that it would be disastrous for UK transport and the economy to let the port fall into private hands.� It is entirely for the long term benefit of UK transport and the UK economy that the privatisation scheme is currently being considered by the Department for Transport.� As a trust port, the Port of Dover is unable to finance significant additional capacity when required as its status as a public corporation does not allow it to borrow.� This will have the ultimate effect of the port being unable in the longer term to handle the increase in traffic forecast over the next 30 years.� This in turn will create unsustainable congestion and a wholly inefficient port which, as a facility handling around �80 billion of goods a year will be detrimental to the local and national economy.

Unite suggests that a sell-off was shelved by the previous Government due to an unfavourable response.� In fact, it was the previous Government calling a General Election which meant that a decision was unlikely to be made until a new Government was in place.� The Port welcomed the new Government's extension of the consultation period as an opportunity to present greater detail on the scheme and the benefits it will bring.� Indeed, such benefits are unprecedented in that a Port of Dover Community Trust (PDCT) would be established with an immediate cash sum of �10 million with a tripling of the PDCT's assets through the holding of shares in the new company.� The PDCT would be independently chaired and would be both representative and for the benefit of the local community and the long term regeneration of the area.�
As a trust port, the Port of Dover cannot pursue such a course as all of its profit has to be ploughed back into maintaining and enhancing the port.� Therefore, for Unite to state that the people of Dover will lose out is entirely wrong and its claim that the port's discharge of social responsibility will suffer is misguided when the port will, through the PDCT, be in a position to do so much more for Dover and its community than it has been able to do for the past 400 years.

Unite's statement fails to recognise that the Port of Dover's scheme is a unique opportunity to expand the business, create jobs and prosperity, unite the port with its community and secure the long term future of a key national asset that will need to expand and grow if it is to remain the jewel in the crown which everyone wishes it to be.

Summer Discounts on Cruise Parking - Limited period only

This great offer of�discounts on most of our Cruise Parking products for 2010,� has been extended subject to availability. Please log on to our Car Parking reservation system and look out for the Special Offer logo.

You can either book on-line or contact us by phone on 01304 241427, and�pick the car parking option, the office is open Monday to Friday,� from 0800hrs to 1800hrs, except Bank Holidays.

Port Welcomes Extended Representation Period

The Port of Dover welcomes today�s announcement by Shipping Minister, Mike Penning MP, of a further representation period on its voluntary privatisation Scheme, stating that it provides an opportunity at the right time to expand on the detail and the unique benefits of its proposal.

Responding to the Minister�s statement, Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said, �we are committed to consulting seriously and thoroughly throughout the ongoing restructuring process and this latest representation period fits perfectly with that commitment.��

Following extensive consultation on the initial proposals submitted to the Secretary of State, the announcement comes at a time when the Port can reveal more information on the key aspects of the Scheme, in particular the Port of Dover Community Trust which is set to positively transform the Port�s relationship with its community.

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.

Mr Goldfield added, �the momentum for change is building and we now have the chance to explain further how we really can achieve positive change through a credible proposal that can work for everyone.�

Putting Trust in the Community

The Port of Dover has welcomed today�s speech by Prime Minister, David Cameron, in which he outlined his vision for the Big Society.� Government�s agenda for a bigger and better society connects wholeheartedly with the Port�s own plans for a bigger and better port.

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Giving the community of Dover a real stake in the future development and success of the port and in doing so empowering it to improve the fortunes of the town is a key tenet of the Port�s voluntary privatisation plans.

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�The Port of Dover Community Trust aims to do exactly what the Prime Minister is working towards,� said Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover.� �Mr Cameron wishes communities to have more control of their destinies and with Government now less able to invest in regenerating places such as Dover, the Port is providing a unique opportunity for the people of Dover to do just that.�

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The Port of Dover Community Trust (PDCT) is a key feature of the voluntary privatisation plans already submitted to Government, but the Port has been working with key local community representatives for some time in order that the PDCT can be established as soon as possible, even in a matter of weeks. If approved by the Government the PDCT will give the people of Dover a flow of funds from the Port to use within the community. Moreover, with the Port�s physical expansion plans and also the potential of developing the business once released from its current trust port status, the future organisation will inspire all those with a stake in it to deliver a world class business that, headquartered at Dover, will foster a more successful and thriving community of Dover.

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In his speech, the Prime Minister speaks of �things that fire you up in the morning, that drive you, that you truly believe will make a real difference to the country you love.�� Mr Goldfield emphasised that �the Port of Dover is equally passionate about doing something for its community, something big and fundamental that will change the relationship between port and town for ever, that will make our port a Port for Dover.�

Port Welcomes New Board Members in Watershed Year

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Port Welcomes New Board Members in Watershed Year

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At a critical time in its history when the Port of Dover is pursuing an ambitious restructuring programme and working to secure plans for long-term development, it is essential that the Board at Dover Harbour Board (DHB) has the breadth and depth of expertise to make the crucial decisions.

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As such, two new members have recently been appointed to restore the Board to its full complement following the retirement of its former Chairman and one of its Board members.� DHB is delighted that Jeffrey Hume and Chris Green have taken up the non-executive posts.

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Jeffrey brings a wealth of financial acumen having been finance director at a number of companies including TDG (a European logistics business), AWG, Alfred McAlpine and Howden Group as well as holding several key finance positions within Hawker Siddeley Group.� His non-executive roles currently include directorships at Heath Lambert Group and Hyder Consulting.� Jeffrey is also a member of the London Stock Exchange Primary Markets Group which represents market makers, city professionals and listed companies.

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Chris joins following a prominent career in the transport industry, having held numerous senior positions within the railway sector � nationalised and private.� Such posts include Chief Executive of Virgin Trains, Managing Director of ScotRail during its preparations for privatisation and Managing Director of InterCity.� Chris has also been a Board member of ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies), Non-Executive Director of Eurotunnel, an advisor to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee and is currently a Non-Executive Director of Network Rail.

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DHB Chairman, Roger Mountford, said, �Jeffrey and Chris bring an excellent combination of skills and experience which will be invaluable in supporting the Board through an exciting if challenging period of change.�

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Issued by Corporate Communications on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 � 17.00)

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Note to Editors:

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Jeffrey Hume was appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport.� Chris Green was appointed by the Board of DHB.

Annual Consultative Meeting 24th May 2010 at 18.00hrs

In what was a very challenging trading climate, 2009 showed the Port of Dover as a robust business, able to weather the financial storms and demonstrate operational resilience where others could not.

Alongside running a busy and successful port, work continued on preparing the formal proposal for Ferry Terminal 2.� More recently, Dover Harbour Board announced exciting proposals for an expanded world class operation which, for the first time in its history, could enable it to make an unprecedented contribution to its community and the regeneration of Dover.

The Annual Consultative Meeting offers an important opportunity to reflect on the achievements of 2009 and to look ahead at major plans that will herald a new era for the port.

Before the meeting there will be another chance to view the Ferry Terminal 2 Exhibition, showing the scheme we have formally submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.

Come and meet those who manage and direct one of the UK�s busiest ports and ask the questions that are important to you.

Doors open at 17.30 at The Ark, Noah's Ark Road, Dover CT17 0DD

We look forward to welcoming you.

Displaced Passenger Information

PASSENGER INFORMATION -� Inbound Travel

The Travel Centre in the Eastern Docks will remain open 24hrs, along with Costa Coffee to provide refreshments,�while the Air Traffic Crisis continues. A special assistance desk has been set-up in the port's arrivals hall to assist with passenger welfare issues, while the travel centre will remain open overnight to provide a warm and safe environment with refreshments available for those planning their journey ahead.

UK Train Travel

From 0700hrs until 2040hrs - Buses run every 20 minutes (10 minutes past the Hour, half past the Hour and 10 minutes to each Hour), to the Train Station from outside the Arrivals Hall.

Contact Numbers for National Rail Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50�� -� available 24hrs www.nationalrail.co.uk

�� South Eastern Railways: 0845 000 22 22��-� www.southeasternrailway.co.uk

Week day Train Services from Dover Priory to London Victoria via Faversham:

Dover Priory	Faversham	Faversham	London Victoria
0442	0523	0534	0707
0505	0546	0548� /� 0622	0709� /� 0738
0549	0630	0652	0809
0619	0700	0714	0839
0645	0808 X CHATHAM		0853
0704	0745	0748	0909
0735	0816	0818	0943
0805	0846	0848	1007
0845	0914	0918	1037
Then every 5 minutes & 45 minutes past each hour Until 1539 then every 5 minutes and 39 minutes past each hour.	1616	1618	1737
2045	2113	2114	2237
Then every 5 minutes and 45 minutes past each hour
Last Train 2245	2313	2314	0038

Week day Train Services from Dover Priory to London Charing Cross (Direct)

Dover Priory	London Charing Cross
0437	0633
0526	0725
0544	0747 x ASHFORD INT STATION
0612	0806 x ASHFORD INT STATION
0624	0826
0638	0846 x ASHFORD INT STATION
0708	0904 x ASHFORD INT STATION
0724	0925
0756	0954
0824	1022
0856	1052
Then every 24 minutes past �and 56 minutes past each hour
1955	2152
2024	2222
2056	2252
2124	2322
Last Train 2156	0001

Dover Priory Station Location

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For details on High-Speed services to St Pancras, please enquire at Dover Priory Station.

National Express services to London and Eurolines Coach Company can be contacted on 08717 818181 to make a reservation, or they have an office on the outside of the Travel Centre, adjacent to the 15 minutes parking area.

National Express will be operating additional services to London tonight (Thursday) at 21.00, 22.00, 23.00 and 23.59, tomorrow (Friday) at 01.00, 02.00, 03.00, 04.00, 21.00, 22.00 , 23.00 and 23.59 and on Saturday at 01.00, 02.00, 03.00 and� 04.00hrs. They will also be operating an additional Departure to Ashford on Friday at 06.35, subject to demand.

Coach departure Times from Dover Ferry Port to London Victoria

Ensign Coach Company

Operating a half hourly departure service from approx 19.00hrs this evening(Thursday), using double-decker buses and coaches and running through the night until there is no demand, operating from outside the Arrivals Hall, and will call at Trafalgar Square and Victoria in London.

Departs Dover Ferry	Arrives London Victoria	Duration
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04:55	07:20	2hrs 25min

05:25	08:20	2hrs 55min

06:25	09:20	2hrs 55min

06:35	09:50	3hrs 15min

07:30	10:20	2hrs 50min

08:35	11:20	2hrs 45min

09:10	12:20	3hrs 10min�� via Ashford

09:30	11:50	2hrs 20min

10:15	12:50	2hrs 35min

11:15	13:50	2hrs 35min

12:15	14:50	2hrs 35min

13:15	15:50	2hrs 35min

14:15	16:50	2hrs 35min

15:10	18:20	3hrs 10min�� via Ashford

15:15	17:50	2hrs 35min

16:15	18:50	2hrs 35min

17:15	19:50	2hrs 35min

18:25	20:50	2hrs 25min

20:10	22:20	2hrs 10min

National Express are operating an�additional service to�Ashford on Friday 23/04/10, departing dover Eastern Docks at 0635hrs, subject to demand.

Ensign Coach Company

Local Accommodation
�Ramada Hotel	�01304 821 230	�Amanda Guest House	�01304 201 711
�County Hotel	�01304 509 955	�St Martins Guest House	�01304 205 938
�Premier Inn	�0870 990 6516	�Ardmore Guest House	�01304 205895
�Bleriots	�01304 211 394	�Castle House	�01304 201 656
�Number One Guest House	�01304 202 007	�Loddington Guest House	�01304 201 947
�Maison Dieu Guest House	�01304 204 033	�East Lee Guest House	�01304 210 176
�Longfield Guest House	�01304 204 716	�Churchill Guest House	�01304 204 622
�	�	�	�

Local Taxi Companies

A2B Taxis��-� 01304 225588�� Central Taxis� -� 01304 240441�� Heritage� -� 01304 201915

Star Taxis� -� 01304 228 822��

The Taxi rank is located in the visitors 15 minute car park outside the Travel Centre

Avis Car Hire can provide cars for footpassengers�arriving at�Dover Eastern Docks. Please contact�Avis on 08445 810147�for rates and availability.

PASSENGER INFORMATION � Outbound Travel

The Travel Centre in the Eastern Docks will remain open 24hrs while the Air Traffic Crisis continues.

Train Services from Calais Ville to Paris Gare du Nord

Buses run from the Port of Calais to the Town Centre in connection with Foot Passenger Ferry Arrivals during the day until 2000hrs.� Calais Port has arranged for a coach to provide transportation during the evening and overnight to extend the service.

For details on European Rail Serives and Tickets please go to www.raileurope.co.uk

Eurolines Coach Company can be contacted on 08717 818181 to make reservations, or they have an office outside the Travel Centre, adjacent to the 15 minute parking area, this is open from 0900hrs until 1730hrs, then from 2000hrs until 2359hrs.

The information provided is correct at the time of issue.				�
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Europe's busiest ferry port takes airline chaos in its stride

Issued at 0700hrs

The Port of Dover has helped masses of displaced airline passengers on their way as calm seas across the English Channel offered a safe alternative to the volcanic storm, providing a vital route in and out of the UK.

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Handling over 13 million passengers a year, numbers that are equivalent to those of major airports, the Port and its ferry operators have been ensuring a smooth operation that can confidently cater for an increase in passenger numbers.

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The Port of Dover made special arrangements overnight to keep the Travel Centre open and to provide a warm, welcoming and efficient service to those caught up in the airport chaos.� The ferry operators made arrangements during the night to take additional foot passengers on sailings to keep people moving.� Many passengers will have been new customers to the Port, experiencing ferry travel for the first time.

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However, this is the second such occasion in recent times when passengers using other forms of transport have turned to the reliable ferry services from Dover in order to get them to their destination when others could not.� Looking back to the Eurostar breakdown last Winter when thousands had their holiday plans almost ruined, the Port is again stepping up to the mark and welcoming passengers whose travel plans have been severely disrupted by major air travel problems.

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Bob Goldfield, Port of Dover Chief Executive said �we were delighted to help passengers who would otherwise have been stranded continue their journey.� Our contingency plans were swiftly implemented in order to provide the best service we can to them.�

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The Port expects another busy day as flight restrictions continue and will be doing all it can to look after affected passengers trying to find a reliable alternative way to travel.

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Customers are strongly advised to contact the ferry operators before travelling:

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Tourist passengers information

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P&0 �� 08716 646464

SeaFrance �� 0871 22 22 500

Norfolkline �� 0844 847 5007

LD Lines �� 0844 576 88 36

Notice to those travelling on 8th & 9th May and 15th &16th May

Please be aware that parking will be extremely restricted on the weekends of the 8th - 9th May and 15th -16th May due to essential works on the multi-story car park. We will only accept those travellers who have pre-booked parking for these dates. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee space for travellers who have not booked in advance.

To reserve your space please call the Commercial Sales Team on 01304 241 4247.

The booking line is open between 8.00 and 18.00, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays.

You can also consult the Car Parking section of this website for help and advice on parking within the port.�

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Response to statement issued by P&O Ferries, SeaFrance and Norfolkline

We were extremely surprised to receive a joint letter from P&O Ferries, SeaFrance and Norfolkline claiming that Dover Harbour Board has abused its monopoly powers.� We were even more surprised and disappointed that customers, with whom we are still in the process of holding private discussions in relation to negotiating a new price path for tariffs, would appear to have briefed the Press before we were aware of the letter.� Moreover, many of the statements made are inaccurate or simply wrong.

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.� We do have further meetings in the diary and are prepared to continue talking to our customers, particularly as we had been asked by them to provide additional information in a number of areas as negotiations continue.

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