26-Jul-2001

Harwich International Port, a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, has commenced its programme to install high-grade boundary security fencing at Bathside Bay.

The Port is investing heavily in the new fencing to replace the wooden fencing that is currently in place around the Bay, as this has now fallen into disrepair in many areas.

This action has been prompted by concerns from local residents and Tendring District Council that the Bathside Bay area is being used by an increasing number of off-road motorcyclists, creating unacceptable levels of noise and posing a danger to the public.

Commenting on the problem, Mr David Appleby, Head of Environmental Services for Tendring District Council, said: “We are extremely pleased that the Port has been able to initiate such a positive action in the light of the various concerns that have been raised locally. It is bound to improve the situation significantly and will be widely welcomed.”

The significant contract for this work has been awarded to C&W Fencing Limited, a local company based in Manningtree.

Mr Ian Kettle, Director of C&W Fencing Limited, said: “We are very pleased to have won this contract and to be involved in this major new project with Harwich International Port.”

Harwich International Port is also obliged by the statutory powers vested in it to ensure that the Port is a secure area, and has been concerned for some time that the security measures currently in place are insufficient and vulnerable to breach.

Bathside Bay adjoins Harwich International Port, and is being developed as a new container facility within the Harwich Haven ports area, which already includes the UK’s largest container port at Felixstowe. When complete, the Bathside Bay terminal will boast 1,400 metres of quay and provide an additional 500 new jobs at the port, plus many more in associated industries.