A public meeting will be held on Thursday 15 February to discuss current and future matters related to the tidal Thames.

Entitled ‘Your tidal Thames - today and tomorrow', the meeting is organised by the Port of London Authority (PLA) and will be chaired by PLA chief executive, Richard Everitt and PLA chief harbour master, David Snelson.

The open meeting will be held on Thursday 15 February 2007 at 6:30pm at the Museum in Docklands, No 1 West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, London, E14.

It is open to anyone interested in the work and activities of the PLA on or by the tidal Thames. There will be a full opportunity to raise any matters of concern; to ask questions; and for general discussion.

Amongst the matters under discussion will be:

• the role and responsibilities of the Port of London Authority
• safety on the river
• cargo shipping on the Thames
• leisure and recreational activities including rowing

Commenting, PLA chief executive Richard Everitt said:

"The event at the Museum in Docklands is part of our programme of open meetings along the river. It is a welcome opportunity for us to update interested people on the latest developments on the Thames and to share information about our continuing work to improve safety on the river."

More information from: Martin Garside, Port of London Authority, Tel: 01474 562366. Email: press.office@pla.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• The Port of London Authority (PLA) is responsible for navigational safety and related matters on 150km (95 miles) of the tidal Thames from the sea to Teddington
• The PLA provides navigational, pilotage and other services for users of the Thames. London is one of the top three ports in the UK and handles over 50 million tonnes of cargo each year.
• The Port comprises over 70 independently owned and operated terminals and port facilities at different locations on the Thames. These handle a wide range of cargoes.
• London also has a busy passenger boat trade for tourists and commuters and is a popular destination for international passenger cruise ships. The tidal Thames is also used widely by those with small recreational craft of many types.