Economy set for boost with new border facility at Port of Poole

Work has finished on a new £2.2m border control post (BCP) in the Port of Poole which will be used to inspect imports from abroad. 

Not only does it mean faster processing for produce coming into the port, but it also means goods could be coming from across the globe.

Poole Harbour Commissioner’s chief executive Captain Brian Murphy said he was “very excited” by the opportunities it will bring.

Border Control Post opening (Image: Richard Crease)

He said: “Following the exit from the EU, we needed to have a facility that would allow for physical checks and document checks of goods coming in from Europe and from the rest of the world.  

“There was funding of £1.8m from the government and we provided the remaining £400,000 and this allowed us to build this facility.

Read more: Port of Poole used as alternative as Dover struggles with queues

“It’s paramount that we have this facility and we're going to attract additional business through the port and it means that when they arrive at the port, they have a better control post on the port.” 

He added: “We are very excited to promote this new facility to the European and rest of world markets.” 

The facility has two large inspection rooms and loading bays where international lorries will present their cargo for inspection. 

It's also the first border control post built since Brexit happened, according to Captain Murphy.

Baroness Charlotte Vere of Norbiton, Maritime Minister, said the facility ensures trade comes in and out of the country “very quickly and easily”. 

She said: “Now that we have left the EU, we have changed our target operating for our borders to make it very digital.  

“What will happen is every export and import will be checked into the system digitally and this will only check a certain proportion of lorries. 

“Once people are used to the system, it should make trade go through much quicker.” 

Graham Farrant, chief executive of BCP Council, added: “The options, having gone through Brexit, is you either provide a border control post or you don't. 

“If you don't, then that really limits what comes in and that limits the opportunity of local businesses. By providing a border control post facility, then we open up the port as far as we can.  

“We’re working as a council together with the port to try and maximise the use of it and it’s a key ingredient to maximise the opportunity at the port and that helps the local economy.”