AROUND £100,000 needs to be found by early September to enable a group of trustees the chance to safeguard the future of Lydney Docks.

The Environment Agency, who recently put the ancient docks and canal on the market, is asking for this amount to ensure the winning bidder has enough to carry out quality improvements and maintenance.

During their inaugural meeting, 'The Working Group' met at organiser Rob Campbell's boat, moored in the main basin, to establish the criteria for effective long-term management of the harbour and canal and ways to raise vital funds.

Mr Campbell said: "We are sending letters out to possible donors. We are looking for sums in the order of £100,000 to prove capability, this is not a purchase price, and asking for the support and help from people experienced in fund raising, legal issues, managing ancient sites and publicity. We aim to end up with a strong advisory group.

"If the money is not forthcoming for ownership, we will still be interested in management and have a viable management plan ready. If all else fails in these respects we feel that we are continuing to be successful in increasing public awareness of the need to preserve the harbour and canal for its value as an important historical, recreational and leisure facility.

"Provided these pressures are maintained we feel that there is a much better likelihood of appropriate and inclusive management and ownership."

A public presentation of the Lydney Trust Scheme will be held at The Annexe Inn in Lydney on Tuesday, September 9 between 4pm and 8pm.

If their initial bid to purchase the harbour and canal is successful, the group will become a management committee.

Mr Campbell added: "There is no likelihood of the harbour being a significant financial investment due to it being protected by all the rules governing ancient sites. We are doing a number things in the run-up to the Environment Agency making a decision about who will win the bid which is on September 9."

All donations will go into an escrow account which is managed by the bank as an independent third party. If the ownership bid is unsuccessful then sums will be returned to donors. If the bid is successful, then the money in escrow is potentially available to the new Harbour Trust, as agreed by the donor. The Management Trust will ensure that proper accounts are kept and independently audited.