A leading councillor thinks Whitstable Harbour can look forward to an exciting future after plans for a new entrance were agreed.

Officials are working on improvements to the South Quay and plans have been revealed for a third entrance from Harbour Street.

It will mean pedestrians could access the harbour from a walkway which would lead to the new quay layout.

Cllr Pat Todd (Con) said: “It’s obvious to anyone that’s got a pair of eyes and goes down there that having something in the middle of the harbour would be advantageous to the public.

“They could branch out left or right from the entrance and people would be in the heart of where they wanted to go.

“It would improve the way the harbour looks. It utilises an area we wouldn’t be able to use in any other way. I think it’s exciting.

“We are beginning to see some movement of what’s occurring and I think there are good times ahead for the harbour.”

Cllr Todd, chairman of Whitstable Harbour Board, said the panel agreed to the plans at last Friday’s meeting.

Meanwhile, the city council has launched a search to find a new operator for the harbour market.

It is advertising a seven-year lease for the market, which brings thousands of people to the harbour each year.

The successful bidder will be required to apply for planning application for the new market straight away, with the aim of opening in the spring.

Cllr Todd said: “We are aiming to get open as early as possible.

“The harbour works are well on target so provided we don’t get any blips in the weather, or find anything untoward, hopefully that will be completed on time.

“The market brings so much to the harbour in particular and Whitstable in general, which makes this a wonderful opportunity for someone with vision and passion to take on.

“The chance to run a business like this does not come up too often, so we are expecting a lot of interest.”