Lancaster Port Commission has applied to central government to expand its powers at Glasson Dock
A legal bid by Lancaster Port Commission to expand its powers at Glasson Dock needs the region's urgent and careful attention before an August deadline to get the best outcomes for all, a city councillor has said.
Secondly, the port commission faces allegations of incompetence, bad practices, unaccountability and poor conduct towards the public. Its self-governing 'trust port' structure has been blamed as a key cause of the alleged problems. Allegations include complaints about maintenance and development of dock and quays, and management of land and property around Glasson village, as reported recently.
The harbour revision order, explanatory notes, maps and previous port agreements can be seen at the Marine Management Organisation website. A link is included at the end of this report. The public may want to comment on issues such as democratic influence on decision-making and governance of port assets, and and property development, or coastal, river and environmental topics?
HARBOUR ORDER CONSULTATION In the Lancaster district, Coun Sally Maddocks is urging people and organisations to have their say on arrangements for Glasson Dock and the port commission's future remit. She has raised some concerns herself but stressed she wants the port to flourish and have the best governance arrangements for the future.
"Whatever the arguments, I think it's important that everyone - residents, businesses and organisations - are aware of the port proposals and take part in the harbour consultation, which has four weeks to run. The proposed changes may potentially be good - provided that local residents and public organisations such as Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council are included in any changes which may result from this.
Trust ports are independent statutory bodies, each governed by their own, unique statutes and controlled by a local independent board, the government says. There are no shareholders or owners. Any financial surplus is to be put back into each port for the benefit of its stakeholders.