TWO years after it was put up for sale, a preferred bidder has been chosen to take over Lydney Docks.

Current owners the Environment Agency narrowed the search down to two local bidders and recently agreed Richard Cook, of Severn and Wye Smokery at Chaxhill, was the man to take the historic asset forward.

Mr Cook said: “We are very honoured and excited to be chosen as the preferred bidder as custodians of Lydney Harbour. It’s too early to say what our plans are for the harbour but we plan to engage with the community, council representatives and the Environment Agency to revitalise an asset that will encourage people to visit one the Severn Estuary’s historic and scenic landmarks.”

Negotiations around the details of the transfer and the associated harbour authority responsibilities are expected to take a while to complete. 

Land and water team leader at the Environment Agency, Dane Broomfield said: “In the meantime, we will continue to manage and operate the harbour and work closely with Mr Cook to ensure solid foundations are put in place to support his proposals and secure a smooth transition.   

“We are committed to supporting the economic regeneration of the Lydney area through our involvement in the Lydney Coastal Community Team and look forward to hearing Mr Cook’s vision and plans for the harbour and the surrounding area. We have also written to Mark Harper MP to advise him of the situation.

“We will continue to protect the community through the operation and maintenance of the flood risk assets on site throughout the transfer to the new custodian, and once the transfer has been completed.

“Until we have completed negotiations, we are unable to disclose any details of financial arrangements or plans for the area. Any works to the harbour or surrounding area will still be subject to normal planning permission, regulation and consultation process.”

Particularly keen to see how the transfer goes is Rob Campbell who formed ‘The Working Group’ as a way of safeguarding the future of Lydney Docks in 2014.

At the time the Environment Agency said the winning bidder needed £100,000 to carry out improvements and maintenance, which the group attempted to get through fundraising.

Last December the harbour received a cash injection of up to £50,000 as part of the government’s £3m revival fund, after the Forest Council submitted a successful grant application on behalf of the Lydney Coastal Community Team (LCCT).

Mr Campbell said: “The Working Group sincerely hopes that the development around the historic area and canal are to the advantage of the local and, in fact, national community.

“It is of national historic value and therefore an important part of our heritage and it’s hoped that this element is considered to be very important to the new owner.”