Archived press release

Associated british ports challenged over dibden bay

15 April 2003

Friends of the Earth's Director, Tony Juniper will challenge Associated British Ports' (ABP's) Directors over their proposed development of a new port at Dibden Bay at the company's AGM on Tuesday 16 April [1]. He will be joined by local people from the New Forest and Southampton [2] who have bought ABP shares to allow them to attend the AGM. The group will go on to meet institutional investors in ABP to discuss concerns about the company.

Friends of the Earth is concerned that ABP is not listening to local residents and Government Agencies who oppose proposals for Dibden Bay, which will destroy a number of nationally and internationally important wildlife sites. ABP says it takes corporate social responsibility seriously [3], yet it is proceeding with its destructive plans at Dibden Bay.

Southampton Friends of the Earth campaigner, Dave Hubble said:

"ABP is planning to produce a new Corporate Social Responsibility report. But actions speak louder than words. Until it abandons its destructive plans for Dibden Bay it will remain a key target for our campaigning."

Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper said:

"This company's plans for Dibden Bay are completely irresponsible. This amazing area is supposed to be protected because it is irreplaceable. We will tell City investors and ABP shareholders that this project is one of the most controversial in the UK today. The damage it will cause to wildlife and local people's quality of life will be irreversible. We will campaign at every stage to protect this important area."

Friends of the Earth will warn shareholders that they should be worried about the value of their shares. ABP could be left with a huge white elephant on its hands if Dibden Bay port gets the go-ahead. A number of other potential port developments are being looked at across the South East. These include plans to upgrade Vanguard Quay at Felixstowe and a new port at Shell Haven on the Thames. It would be premature to go ahead with Dibden Bay (or indeed any of the other ports) until all the options have been properly examined.

Abp's annual report shows for the first time that they may have to write off ?35.4 million if they are not allowed to proceed with Dibden. Given the high level of wildlife designations that the area has, this is a distinct possibility and may well affect shareholders. Friends of the Earth has produced a new briefing about ABP which is available on request.

Notes

[1] Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, 12 noon.

[2] Local people and Tony Juniper available for pre-recorded interviews on Monday 15^th April or early on Tuesday on request

[3] ABP Annual Report 2002, page 14

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust