With decisions on the future of the harbour almost at a standstill while the present commissioners are unable to progress the adoption of the Harbour Revision Order - good news at last!
In what may well be looked back on in years to come as a pivotal moment in Newlyn's history, local Lib Dem MP Andrew George has received an assurance from Paul Clark MP, Transport Minister from the Department of Transport that a new set of Commissioners will be in place by April the 1st at the latest, possibly sooner.
Specifically, the following points have been made clear to the local MP with immediate effect:
1. Adverts for the new commissioners will be published within the next 2-3 weeks.(check the Cornishman this Thursday)
2. A panel will be drawn up to interview applicants as soon as possible.
3. The HRO will be authorised by the Head of the Port Division in the Department for Transport during the same period. No Parliamentary procedure is required.
4. The old Harbour Commission will be dissolved and the new Harbour Commission created by the middle of March 2010 and by Easter (i.e. 1st April) 2010 at the latest.
Andrew George has been assured that if there are any threats to this time frame he will be told immediately.
He was also informed that the timetable will not adversely influence the consideration of the EFF application to the MFA which will be considered on 17th February. A letter of comfort/reassurance has been sent by the Department for Transport to the MFA in respect of their concerns about “governance”.
With the economy showing signs of recovery, a general election imminent, now is the time to see every opportunity taken for the future of the port.
For anyone who has been unhappy with the way things have been going (or not) now comes the chance to be heard.
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