Bosses call SpeedFerries staff to emergency meeting

IN an ominous turn in the SpeedFerries row over unpaid port fees to Boulogne and the Dover Harbour Board it is understood staff have been called in by bosses for a crunch meeting today.

Some 200 people work for the beleaguered cross-Channel firm which has had its only craft, Speed One, immobilised in Boulogne in an arrest last Thursday prompted by unpaid port dues.

Talks between the Boulogne Chamber of Commerce and SpeedFerries boss Curt Stavis began on Monday but have so far proved fruitless.

Yesterday it came to light the firm also face legal action by Dover Harbour Board due to non-payment of a "substantial" sum for the use of the Western Docks.

Rumours at the port are suggesting a debt of around £250,000 in unpaid rent.

A spokesman for Dover Harbour Board refused to comment on the unpaid bill. He said: "It is company policy not to discuss customer relationships."

Speculation amongst staff suggests there could be an announcement of job losses at the meeting, which will be held at 10.30am at the hoverport.