Port bosses say cruise firm’s decision to avoid landing during anti-migrant barge protest cost local economy £400,000 – as protesters slam ‘hypocritical’ claim
- Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess refused to stop during anti-migrant protests
- Decision to not land at Portland, Dorset cost local economy £400,000
A cruise firm has sparked anger after its decision to not land during anti-migrant barge protests cost the local economy £400,000.
The Regal Princess, which was carrying over 3000 passengers, didn’t stop at Portland, Dorset because of a demonstration taking place against the barge.
Princess Cruises, the owners of the vessel, cited passenger and crew safety as the reason the ship stayed at sea rather than docking.
But Bill Reeves, the chief executive of Portland Port, has since estimated the hit to local businesses due to the cruise ship staying away from Portland at £400,000.
Mr Reeves said: ‘This includes spending in shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, tourist attractions, for guides and taxis as well as for those in the supply chain such as bus and coach operators and through indirect spend.
Angry locals in Portland protest against the Bibby Stockholm Barge, set to house 500 male asylum seekers
Portland port claimed that campaigners had cost the local economy £400,000
The Regal Princess, carrying 3000 passengers, refused to dock at the harbour town while demonstrations were taking place
Locals blamed the cruise cancellation on the port secretly agreeing to the barge to house migrants
‘The port has also lost berthing fees but this is significantly outweighed by the overall cost to the local economy.
‘Cruise calls not only create and support local jobs and the economy, they generate significant exposure for the area and help to encourage return visits.’
However the port was labelled ‘hypocritical’ by angry locals against the Bibby Stockholm barge, which will house over 500 male asylum seekers.
They say the loss of income would not happened had port bosses not secretly agreed to the barge in the first place.
Dr Susan Phoenix, of the campaign group No to the Barge, said: ‘The stance of Portland Port is very hypocritical.
‘It is totally wrong for Brian Reeves to say this as he has been hiding under a rock since the decision was made to bring the barge here and he will not speak to anyone about it.
‘The protest was a peaceful one and when another cruise ship came yesterday (Tues) everyone supported us and local drivers tooted their horns to back us.
‘We will not be trampled on by Portland Port and the Home Office.’
Demonstrators from Stand Up to Racism marched in support of migrants and refugees
Over 400 people from No to the Barge and Stand Up to Racism took part in the protest march on Saturday.
Local businesses had ordered in extra goods for the expected demand they usually get whenever a cruise liner is in town.
Some questioned whether it was better to protest at Downing Street instead of on their doorstep which inadvertently harmed local traders.
Danny Saunsrakaew, the manager of Roly’s Fudge Pantry, said: ‘I would rather they don’t protest here. I would rather they go to Downing Street and protest there where they can make a difference. If they want to make a protest, go to number 10.
‘We are the ones suffering not them. The cruise ships will just go elsewhere.
‘Imagine 1,000 people in our town it boosts our economy. It all makes a difference to trade.’
Weymouth butcher Dennis Spurr, of the Fantastic Sausage Factory Ltd, had ordered in extra supplies for the arrival of the Regal Princess on Saturday.
He said: ‘We always do really well with cruise ship tourists, they tend to like our shop, it is quirky and funny.
‘I bought in extra rolls for the day, we can sell 100 extra rolls on a good day when the weather is nice.
‘We cooked extra sausages which we had to throw away.
‘It is ridiculous, I am not for the barge I don’t like the way it has been done but this has clearly hurt the local economy.
‘It is a long winter in Weymouth, we need to try and make every penny we can in the summer.
‘I certainly don’t want this to happen again, businesses here rely on the cruise ship trade.’
Princess Cruises said that it had decided to bypass the port over concerns for the safety of passengers and crew
Campaign group No to the Barge denied its protest was a safety risk and insisted they wouldn’t be ‘trampled on’
Mr Reeves said he hoped that there wouldn’t be any more cancelled cruise dockings this year.
He said: ‘All other cruise calls are continuing as planned over the remainder of the season. Indeed, we were able to accommodate the Norwegian Dawn on Monday after she requested to arrive early due to bad weather elsewhere.
‘She had 2,360 guests on board, around half of which went into Weymouth on Monday evening, spending money in restaurants, cafes, bars and takeaways, and by all accounts having a great time.’
In a statement announcing they were not stopping at Portland, Princess Cruises said: ‘Due to protests anticipated in Portland, UK, on Saturday, July 8, Regal Princess will bypass its scheduled call there and spend the day at sea instead.
‘The decision was made in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and crew following our security team’s consultation with local authorities.
‘We regret any disappointment this unexpected itinerary change may cause our guests.’
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