The Port of Dover has announced two new appointments to fulfill the role as non-executive community director.

Chairman of the Peoples’ Port Trust Neil Wiggins has been selected - but has confirmed he will stand down as chairman so he can pay full attention to his role as community director.

Sharing the duty is local resident and worker, Samantha Parker. Their positions will be effective come January.

Mrs Parker said: "The port is a vital part of the town and the surrounding area and we all want even stronger links to make it work for everyone.

“My role will be to bring an insight into the thinking of the community and act as a bridge between those involved in the port and the future of Dover.

“This is a great day for everyone and anyone who has an interest in Dover, in the Port and in the jobs it will safeguard and create as part of its shared vision.”

Mr Wiggins said: "We have been on quite a journey over the last few years, and it is time to move on as we all work together to deliver a brighter future for Dover.

“I am immediately resigning as both chairman and a member of the Dover Peoples’ Port Trust in order that I can ensure my full commitment to the Port of Dover as a community voice on the board and fulfil my duties as a member of the Dover Harbour Board without any conflict of interest.”

The harbour board has said that the new appointments will “strengthen” the links between the port and the community.

Chairman of Dover Harbour Board, George Jenkins, said: “We had an overwhelming response to this important appointment and a list of high quality candidates to choose from.

“The Minister of State for Transport, the Rt Hon John Hayes MP, said in the House of Commons that it was important to link the Port to the town.

“We see these new appointments as a strong statement of that intent, offering a direct link between the Board and the community that will bring a fresh perspective to assist us in our future plans.”

He continued: “We will now have community directors appointed to the board who will have a wide ranging appreciation of the community and its views.

“This will bring another valuable element to the composition of the board and we heartily welcome these new appointments.

"The board is submitting a Harbour Revision Order to enshrine these new positions in legislation.

“The port and the community are working ever more closely together to achieve shared goals.

Dover MP, Charlie Elphicke feels that this allocation of community directors is a step in the right direction.

He added: ““The community representatives considered the two selected candidates to be outstanding.

“We had no hesitation recommending them both to be community directors.

“Community directors on the Dover Harbour Board places the community at the heart of decision making at the port.

There is still further work to be done in order to ensure that the positions are enshrined in legislation and I will continue to press DHB for the HRO to enable this to happen.”

“The announcement of the community directors is a big step on the continuing road to reform. It shows what a success the People’s Port has been. With this landmark development much of what the People’s Port Trust set out to achieve has now been completed. Once the HRO is finalised, it will be an opportune time for the People’s Port Trust to be concluded.”

See next week's Mercury for full reactions and updates