Newhaven's MP has today pressed for early action to secure the revitalisation of the port at Newhaven in two meetings, one with the likely new owners of the port, Oakdene Homes, and one with the Chairman and Chief Executive of SEEDA, respectively Jim Braithwaite and Pam Alexander.
The MP was given a presentation of the port plans being worked on by Oakdene Homes, which include:
Norman says: "Although we will obviously need to see the details in due course, I think the broad outline produced by Oakdene is a sensible one which will be good for Newhaven. It will produce a viable port for the 21st century, and improve the look of the port. There is a need for significant investment, so clearly any scheme for the port will have to recognise that and ensure the figures add up."
Norman pressed Oakdene to ensure that rail access to the quayside is maintained and that movement of freight by rail is part of the redevelopment plans. He also pressed for an early start on work to the harbour arm to enable this to be reopened as soon as possible. Oakdene said they hoped to undertake this in the spring.
In a second meeting, with the Chairman and Chief Executive of SEEDA, Norman encouraged the development agency to play a proactive role in the future of Newhaven port and pointed out that, while SEEDA had undertaken three studies into the future of Shoreham port in the last ten years, one of which is on-going, and spent over £300,000 doing so, no such approach had been taken to Newhaven. SEEDA replied that the position at Newhaven had been complicated by ownership issues, but that they were keen to help.
The MP says: "It was very useful to be able to sit down in Lewes with the key people from SEEDA to emphasise the importance local people, including myself, attach to the future of Newhaven port. I was encouraged by SEEDA's positive response. They have promised to take forward matters we discussed and I look forward to an update and a further meeting in due course.
"I have never stopped believing in Newhaven. It is well situated geographically and has tremendous potential. It is now vitally important that Oakdene's plans are produced as soon as possible, and that SEEDA now turn their attention to Newhaven, which they recognise is an important regional asset."
|Home
Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
Printed and hosted by Pipex Communications UK Ltd, Humber Buildings, Humber Rd, Beeston, Notts, NG9 2ET. Published and promoted by Norman Baker MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA. The views expressed are those of Norman Baker, not of the service provider.
