The Port and Community Forum elects Derek Leach as independent Chairman

The Port and Community Forum (PCF), the group that is seeking renewed, positive and vibrant community engagement with the Port, has elected Derek Leach as its first ever independent Chairman following an anonymous ballot.

Mr Leach, Chairman of The Dover Society and a well respected member of the local community, will be supported by a new independent Vice Chairman, Dick Fuller, one of the two recently elected local representative members of the public. Together, they will lead the direction of the PCF as it works to deliver transformational projects for the benefit of Dover together with the Port.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr Leach said: "This is a golden opportunity that Dick and I intend to embrace enthusiastically. Over the last few months there has been an immense change for the better at the Port in how it has committed to its community. Now it is time for the community to build on that momentum to deliver the partnership for Dover that all members of the PCF and the Port wish to see. This is a role that I take incredibly seriously as we keep Dover's interests at the heart of all we set out to do."

The PCF is already developing a heritage strategy for Dover with practical projects that will deliver positive change. This is part of the group's commitment to pursuing a future for Dover that is exciting and transformational for Dover as a whole.

Dick Fuller said: "As an independent local community representative, my role is to bring the views and ideas from the local community to the PCF. I look forward to supporting Derek in making things happen for Dover together with the people of Dover for whom we wish to make a difference."

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, added: "I am delighted for Derek and Dick and believe that their experience will be invaluable in taking the PCF forward independently but with the full cooperation and positive input of the Port. This is a critical group for us as we look to build on the vision that, together with our community, we are all working towards."