£6m: the cost of April's port blockades
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Six million pounds - that's how much April's port blockade
cost our economy.
The staggering figure is what's being claimed as Kent small
firms make an official complaint to the French government
today.
Now some firms are going to the wall as a result of the
financial burden caused by the blockades, they claim.
The FSB claims small firms
lost an average of £800 during the four-day dispute and the wider
haulage industry loses £1 million for every day Calais is shut.
The group has 7,000 members across Kent and Medway, and is
claiming the French government is in breach of its obligations
under the EC treaty.
John Parker of John Parker International, a horse transporter
based near Hythe, faces the added complication of animal welfare
when his vehicles are trapped in Operation Stack.
William Pucknell, of W. S. G. Transport in Medway has had
lorries stuck in Stack that were not crossing the Channel and
needed a police escort to escape the queue."
Roger House, FSB chairman for Kent and Medway, said: "Kent small
businesses are at the forefront when there are hold-ups at the
Channel ports, It is not just cross channel traffic that is
inconvenienced, gridlock on surrounding roads make it difficult for
local hauliers to return to their depots.
Kent County Council welcomed the FSB campaign. Kevin Lynes,
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
"The misery caused by Operation Stack when French strike action
closes the ports is acutely felt in the UK and in France. The cost
to businesses, not to mention the inconvenience to residents, is
completely unacceptable and must stop."
Wednesday, July 22 2009
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