Loan safety boost for smaller ports
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• Many of the UK's smaller ports are expected to become safer for hauliers after the government announced it will loan the local authorities that own them 21.7m for safety and maintenance projects.
Last week Shipping Minister Keith Hill gave the go-ahead for 10 ports to borrow the money to fund a series of improvements. The ports which will benefit the most are: Ramsgate New Port (£196,500); Whitby (£425,000); Gillingham (.£356,250); and Torquay (ncaocc).
Sunderland, Scarborough, Bristol Royal Docks, Bridport, Portsmouth Commercial Port and Weymouth Harbour will also benefit from the loans.
"Safety in our ports is of paramount importance. The money that the ports will now be able to borrow will help ensure that vital work is carried out by allowing ports to fund these essential projects," says Hill.
The improvements will cover a variety of safety and maintenance works including repairs to dock walls, lock gates and steel piling; installation of improved safety features such as signa,ge and equipment; and renewal of electrical wiring.