CASH-STRAPPED council chiefs need to look to the future and do more to realise the “full potential” of Harrington Harbour in Workington – at least this was the message from the outgoing director of the dock board.

The comments were made by Mike Messenger in a resignation letter in which he said the board should look more closely at the future of the harbour amid claims this was not happening at present.

“It seems as though no one can look further than the immediate requirements of the harbour with no medium plans for its future development,” he said.

The role of the district council’s dock board is not only to help maintain the harbourside but also to support the “regeneration of the area”.

However, the economic climate is tough with running costs exceeding income over the last few fears.

A report presented at today’s (December 14) board meeting by building surveyor Trevor Hurst revealed that expenditure stands at £8,825 with an expected income of £3,007.

Because of an “extra budget for dredging”, it is hoped that the harbour will not require the shortfall to be met by the Coastal Budget.

The Board may also now have look to outside funding bodies to help revamp the harbour area as part of plans for its long term future.

Coun Carole Armstrong said: “We need to be looking at what Mike Messenger has been saying about a long term plan. There is never enough money – and may be we need to be looking to outside bodies [for funding].”

The board agreed to “put feelers out” for a replacement manager after formally accepting Mr Messenger’s resignation.

The post was declared vacant and will be advertised in the coming weeks.

In his resignation letter, Mr Messenger said he had enjoyed his time on the Board but had too many other commitments to continue in the role.

The next meeting of the Harbour Board has the provisional date of March 29.