Crucial time for port

The bid to run the service has been won by the Rouen-based Louis Dreyfus Group which took over operations on Saturday (March 3).

In October 2005, the group opened a ferry service from Le Havre to Portsmouth. A daily service between Newhaven and Le Havre, operated by a new ship, is due to start on May 1.

The Newhaven to Dieppe route will continue to run using the existing Transmanche ferries.

It is now possible to book in advance ferries from Newhaven to Le Havre. The crossing will be open to both foot and car passengers.

In September last year, Newhaven Port and Properties, the French owner of the port, selected Apollo Bannertown as the developer to take over ownership of the port.

The developer, formed from Apollo Real Estates, a US-based opportunity fund, and Hailsham-based Bannertown Developments, had four months to come up with ideas.

It is unclear whether this deadline will be met.

Cllr Kirby said: 'There is a possibility that may change. We had a very constructive meeting between Lewes District Council and the county council in Rouen on Tuesday last week and I can say that things are on track.

'It is a very complicated process because it is land that has got lots of leases, covenants, history and restrictions, plus it is a working port and a business that employs people.

'I am as confident, if not more than I have ever been, that things are progressing. It is positive and nothing has been discovered that will stop the deal's progress.'