Dr Julian Lewis: In just over a fortnight, more than 2,000 signatories have been added to the petition of Residents against Dibden Bay Port, including representatives of Fawley, Hythe & Dibden, and Marchwood Parish Councils and Totton & Eling Town Council.  

The petition declares

“that the Public Inquiry into Associated British Ports' application to build a Container Terminal at Dibden Bay should not take place in premises owned by the applicant nor at a location which will preclude the attendance of the local population, owing to the time and cost of travel.

“The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to delay the start of the Inquiry until the New Forest District Council can find a suitable venue close to the communities which are affected by the proposed development.”