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

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the Director of Environment be authorised to re-negotiate the County Council's licence agreement for the Hythe Ferry berth with ABP Property Investments Limited, and to allocate a sum as part of the re-negotiation.

(ii) That the Director of Environment be authorised to negotiate with ABP Property Investments Limited and Red Funnel Group (Holdings) Limited to secure agreement for alternative permanent berth facilities for the Hythe Ferry within the area of Town Quay.

(iii) That, if necessary, the Director of Environment be authorised to allocate a further sum towards the essential repairs and renewal of the wavebreak pontoon at Town Quay, Southampton.

(iv) That the Director of Environment seeks a contractual arrangement with White Horse Ferries Limited to address maintenance obligations and liabilities as part of future revenue support from the County Council.

(v) That the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment, be authorised to conclude the most beneficial outcome in respect of the ongoing berthing requirements of the Hythe Ferry at Town Quay.

2. Reason

2.1 To ensure the continued operation of the ferry service between Hythe and Southampton. The decisions are in line with the County Council's published Ferry Strategy which in turn contributes to all three strands of the Corporate Strategy.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Replacement of the ferry service with bus or rail services via Totton was 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 - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment

1138Decn/DJ