Latest News

European funding could be sought to improve Berwick Dock as a thriving commercial harbour.

The Port of Berwick Harbour Commissioners and Berwick Borough Council have held talks to investigate whether grants might be secured through European Union transnational funding programmes.

These programmes are designed to support projects which contribute to regional development policies by, for example, sourcing resources and sharing best practice in sustainable transport, efficient energy use and good environmental management through transnational and inter-regional co-operation.

The council and its partners in the Berwick’s Future regeneration initiative are all agreed that the harbour is a very important part of Berwick’s economy and are committed to ensuring that it is retained and improved for future use.

Chair of Berwick Harbour Commissioners, Alan Irving, says:  “We have been working very closely with the council, ONE NorthEast and Northumberland County Council to secure a bright future for the port.   Together we are investigating ways of funding to upgrade the current cargo handling facilities and other infrastructure to meet the current and future needs of local businesses.”

Shona Alexander, Director of Regeneration and Development with Berwick Borough Council, added:  “Berwick Harbour is a Trust Port, established for over 125 years and is an essential part of our local economy.   It is the second largest Northumberland port, handling in excess of 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year, mainly grain, agricultural fertilisers and occasionally timber and cement  products.

“We are working together to see how it might be upgraded and improved.  It is possible that we might be able to attract financial support from Europe to improve the handling facilities in Berwick harbour and strengthen links with other European ports. ”

Approaches are to be made to see whether Berwick meets the funding criteria, and can identify suitable partner ports in other parts of Europe.  If so, applications could begin to be lodged by early next year.

The Berwick’s Future initiative aims to encourage economic and social change which will, over the next 20 years, create a more competitive, distinctive and well-connected town and borough that is enterprising, ambitious and inclusive.

Following consultation with local people a regeneration strategy has been prepared to identify the best options for improvements across the Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal areas.

Further community engagement has been taking place since May and comments can be made via this web site.

The Berwick’s Future Steering Group partners are:  Berwick Borough Council, Berwick Community Trust, Berwick Local Strategic Partnership, English Heritage, Government Office North East, Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Strategic Partnership and One NorthEast.