LAST week I reviewed the Dover Harbour Board privatisation proposal. I was and remain opposed to a sell off of our port. For me our border should be owned by our nation – or at least people from our nation.

Given the pressure on the nation's finances, the Government will want to have a receipt from our port. I have therefore thought carefully about what can be done to get the best for the Dover community.

A few months ago, I floated the "People's Port" alternative to the planned sell off. My aim was to see if the people of the Dover community would prefer to own our port rather than see it sold off. Since then I have consulted widely. The feedback I have had has been very positive.

The proposal is that a true mass membership democratic community trust is set up to buy the port. The trust then raises funds in the City of London and purchases the port. The money men tell me that for this to succeed, it is vital to have the support of the ferry companies who are the key customers. The ferry companies are supportive.

What would a people's port look like were it to happen? A key change would be that our port would be owned by our community. The dispute between the port and the ferry companies who account for 5,000 local jobs would end. Our community, the port and the ferry companies could be jointly engaged in the long overdue transformation of Dover. And it would only happen if the people of Dover voted for it in a community referendum.

Beyond this, other things would change. The port's artwork and fine paintings should go on public display, the beach would be protected and seafront access would be a priority. Overall there would be a new partnership with the port and the people. All profits from the port would go to the community for regeneration. The job security of port workers would be more assured than with a new owner who might change all the personnel. The development of the Western Dock, the land bridge and the new docks would be a priority, not a possibility.

To take this proposal forward, there now needs to be a working group. People with energy and experience in our community. This is really important as the community must take ownership and party politics must not be allowed to divide us. I would like to hear from people who have expertise and would like to be on that working group. I would like to hear more from people about what they think generally as this proposal develops.