Port boss in asylum seekers barge plea

The chief executive of Portland Port has moved to reassure islanders concerned about a barge full of asylum seekers arriving.

Bill Reeves said: “I cannot think why people who have travelled thousands of miles and have risked their lives to get here would do anything to run the risk of their asylum claim being denied and them being deported.” He added: “We wish to reassure local people that a great deal of effort and coordination is being carried out in relation to such issues as security, policing, health provision and other matters.”

However, Dorset Council has reiterated its opposition to the plan.

Council leader Spencer Flower said: “We still have serious reservations about the appropriateness of Portland Port in this scenario and we remain opposed to the proposals.

“However, like all local agencies, we have statutory responsibilities to fulfil and collectively we want to ensure robust arrangements are in place if this goes ahead.

“We still have unanswered questions which we are waiting for the Home Office and the barge operator to respond to.”

Police and Crime

Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I would like to reassure Dorset residents that Dorset Police have started the necessary and detailed planning required to ensure both asylum seekers and residents will be kept safe. Currently though, they also have detailed questions that need answering and that are necessary to ensure the safety of all concerned.” He added: “I am determined the funding should not come from the current police budget or from the people of Dorset.”

Asylum seekers will have their fingerprints and identities recorded by the Home Office before going aboard. They will also receive health screening for medical conditions.

The Home Office is working closely with Dorset Police to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place. It is also in discussions with the NHS about on-site medical facilities.

The barge is due to stay at Portland for at least 18 months.

Mr Reeves said: “The port is a commercial business.

£65k flood grant for river

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed news that the Upper River Piddle Catchment area near Dorchester has been awarded £65,000 as part of the Government’s ‘Frequently Flooded’ allowance. This injection will go toward supporting flood resilience and drainage schemes in the area that will reduce the flooding hotspots that have affected communities on a regular basis.

Arrival of the facility will help to drive continued growth, secure more longterm jobs and generate future investment with benefits for the local economy.

“There may also be jobs created directly by the vessel operators as well as direct and indirect spend in the local supply chain.”

Portland Port, which has been operating since 1996, has more than 50 staff and has a number of tenants which together employ more than 250 people.

More than 130,000 passengers are due to arrive at the port in 2023 in a record year for cruise calls, which contribute about £10m a year to the local economy.

Mr Reeves said: “We have a strong vested interest in the safe operation of the facility for our business, local people and the refugees themselves.

“We believe that concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour have proven to be unfounded at accommodation sites elsewhere and there is no reason to expect any different here.”