Council seeks better deal with ferry firm

The local authority wants to draw up a new agreement that sees Portsmouth International Port receive more income from the ferry company than it currently does.

It is part of efforts to ensure there’s more money being generated overall by the port, which the council owns.

The current agreement contains several elements:

n A priority slot time allocation to Brittany Ferries for No4 Berth at the ferry port.

n Dedicated parking areas for unaccompanied trailers, subject to management by Brittany Ferries.

n A minimum guaranteed annual payment of dues to the council.

n Provision for charges and an increase in charges by the council.

Council leader Donna Jones, who is also in charge of planning, regeneration and economic development, will consider the plans.

She will go over the proposals at a public meeting, but part of it may be held in private if commercially-sensitive information concerning all parties involved is referred to.

The discussion takes place on Wednesday at 9.30am at the civic offices.