Don’t let port die

I WAS sad to read that Littlehampton Harbour Board was considering abandoning the commercial side of the port’s activities.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Nov 2010, 10:41 BST

I’m sure the famous captains of the 19th century who sailed from our town must be spinning in their graves at this prospect.

Given the turmoil the board has endured this past year with the removal of the harbourmaster, it’s not surprising trade has fallen away, even without the impact of the economic decline.

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Surely, having appointed a new harbour manager, would it not be a better idea to let her have a chance to revive the commercial trade by canvassing the relevant shipping companies? There are still many small freighters out there that would have no problem trading in our port.

If we lose our commercial wharves it will be the green light to further residential development and the ability for our port facilities to be used in a national emergency will be lost forever.

The tourism aspect of a working port can also not be ignored. Watching small coasters entering a port is far more interesting than seeing dozens of little speedboats buzzing around, upsetting the swans!

If the commercial side could be revived to economic levels, the opportunity for more employment must be enhanced, even on a casual basis.

Do give the new harbour manager a chance to rebuild our port’s future.

Tyndall Jones,

High Street,

Littlehampton