The inhabitants of Dover have voted in favour of a proposal to hand control of the Port of Dover, which carries the popular Dover to Calais route, to local residents.

Dover People’s Port Trust had organised a referendum to decide whether the plan could go ahead in theory, as public support was a prerequisite of any official decision. The result of the referendum was overwhelming: 5,244 residents voted in favour of making a public bid for the port, with just 113 voting against the idea.

In response, MP Charlie Elphicke, a key proponent of the plan, said: “I hope this will give strength to the campaign to ensure the port of Dover is owned by the people of Dover.” Mr Elphicke added that “voices should be listened to and we should have the port owned by the Dover community as a landmark project.”

A spokesperson for Port of Dover said: “We will reflect on the result of this Dover town poll, but we remain absolutely convinced that our voluntary scheme, developed over a number of years, represents the best and only option.”

The Government is yet to decide whether Dover Harbour Board’s application to privatise the port should be accepted. Following the referendum, it may now be the case that the coalition hands control to the people instead of foreign investors.

Popularity: 1%