By Jenni DixonA TOWN council is investigating who owns a caravan and camping site that could be sold to the private sector.Waveney District Council has claimed ownership of Southwold Harbour and is currently reviewing its future.

By Jenni Dixon

A TOWN council is investigating who owns a caravan and camping site that could be sold to the private sector.

Waveney District Council has claimed ownership of Southwold Harbour and is currently reviewing its future.

It has sent letters to the owners of caravans kept on the site, suggesting it may be sold to a private company.

But Southwold Town Council has now agreed in principle to seek legal help to find out who owns Southwold Harbour as councillors believe historically it may belong to the town.

In the early 16th Century landowner William Godell left the common and marshes to the town of Southwold.

However in 1974, instead of giving money towards the foundation of Waveney District Council, Southwold Town Council decided it could have funds from the harbour and the caravan site.

Town mayor, Sue Allen, said: “We thought perhaps it was time to look into who owns the land. We want to find out what the position is as that land is our heritage. Waveney have taken money out and put very little back in.”

But the leader of Waveney District Council, Peter Austin, said: “In the 1974 the land and facilities on it were transferred to Waveney who have performing the functions of ownership for that time by running the harbour and caravan site.

“Even if there is some dispute over the original title, Waveney feels it owns the land. Any questions will have to be fought by members of the legal profession.”

The town council agreed in principle that it would seek legal help up to a cost of £2,000 to establish the ownership of the harbour and caravan site.

jenni.dixon@eadt.co.uk