Lydney Harbour has been put up for sale by owners the Environment Agency.

The agency has instructed national property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to handle the process which could result in the harbour being sold or let.

Peter Barrett, who is based at LSH's Bristol office, said "This is a very exciting instruction and one which I am sure will create a lot of interest locally and across the region.

"We are seeking a purchaser with a real interest in preserving the past and making a success of the future of the harbour.

"The sale includes a relatively small area of land so it is not a property development opportunity, it is the harbour itself which takes centre stage.

The sale will comprise the canal leading to the harbour, the harbour itself and car parking and landscaping around the harbour.

Lydney Harbour was constructed in the early 1800s as the town's importance as a trading centre grew and was built to transport iron and later coal from the Forest.

Dafydd Evans, area manager for the Environment Agency said  "We are committed to finding new owners who can secure the long-term future of this important historic site.

"The Environment Agency wishes to concentrate on its core operations which will include maintaining the responsibility for the flood defence gates within the harbour."

During its heyday of the docks there were around 300,000 tons of coal being exported annually in more than 2,000 vessels. The final export of coal from the harbour was in 1960.

The harbour carried on working up to the 1970s importing logs for the manufacture of plywood at the factory at Pine End and was finally closed in 1977. In 1985 the harbour from the swing bridge downstream was scheduled as an ancient monument because of its historic importance as a transport link for the Forest of Dean to the Severn.

As the last major alterations to the harbour were conducted during the 1870s, Lydney is a rare example of an unspoilt 19th century harbour, built to accommodate sailing ships which increases its historical importance.

Potential investors should contact Lambert Smith Hampton by e-mailing pbarrett@lsh. co.uk or by going to the harbour website www. lydneyharbour.com.