Contact: Derek Jones, ext 6987 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the proposed pontoon repairs at Town Quay be implemented as outlined in section 2 of the attached report.

(ii) That officers negotiate with ABP and with White Horse Ferries to secure the ongoing maintenance of the necessary infrastructure for the Hythe Ferry service.

2. Reason

2.1 To ensure the continued operation of the ferry service between Hythe and Southampton and to provide a framework for the development of ferry services for coastal areas of Hampshire in support of LTP2.

2.2 This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aim 1 (Maximising Life Opportunities) by improving access to services, education and employment;

(ii) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) by improving travel choice;

(iii) Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by improving access to business, shopping and employment;

(iv) Aim 4 (Building Strong and Safe Communities) by providing a safe environment for passengers to wait for the ferry service; and

(v) Aim 5 (Improving Services) by ensuring that infrastructure is maintained for the safe operation of the ferry service.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Relocation of the ferry terminal (rejected as no suitable alternatives exist within a realistic timescale or at affordable cost) or replacement of the ferry service with bus or rail services via Totton (rejected as bus services already exist but entail a much more circuitous and time-consuming journey; a rail service could be provided but not within a reasonable timescale).

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T G Knight

543Decn/DJ