Members of the Broads Authority have criticised a Norfolk port firm after it was snubbed over a key meeting to discuss a bridge at the centre of a lengthy dispute.

Peel Ports - which manages Great Yarmouth's port and river crossings - failed to invite the BA to an upcoming discussion regarding its intentions for the opening of Haven Bridge, in Great Yarmouth.

It comes as the company is still embroiled in an ongoing row with Norfolk County Council over the operation of the crossing, which resulted in an 80-day blockade of the Broads this year.

Haven Bridge opening for a boat to pass underHaven Bridge opening for a boat to pass under (Image: Newsquest)

Peel Ports refused to open it, blaming health and safety concerns for its staff, who had to deal with rowdy members of the public during a previous opening.

The continued closure left boaters marooned in the Broads and boat firms losing thousands of pounds in lost business.

However, NCC and the BA insist that the company has a statutory duty to operate Yarmouth's river crossings, due to its role as port operator.

A six-month truce was subsequently agreed in July but time is running out for a long-term solution, with both parties recently signalling the issue remains unresolved.

View from Breydon Bridge across Great Yarmouth, looking towards Haven BridgeView from Breydon Bridge across Great Yarmouth, looking towards Haven Bridge (Image: Newsquest)

Peel Ports has invited a number of boating groups and other stakeholders to attend a meeting on November 14 to discuss arrangements for the lifting of the bridge.

But the Broads Authority have not been invited, despite repeated attempts to arrange a meeting with the port firm.

At a recent navigation committee meeting, Dr John Packman, chief executive, informed members that they had not been invited.

"This is an important issue in terms of our toll-paying boaters being able to get in and out of Great Yarmouth," he said.

Peter Dixon, Broads Authority memberPeter Dixon, Broads Authority member (Image: Newsquest)

Sir Peter Dixon, a committee member, criticised the snub.

"Why did Peel Ports not invite us? It just seems daft," he added.

Dr Packman added that they had hoped to be making progress with beginning talks with Peel Ports regarding the matter but the firm subsequently pulled out from arranged meetings.

Currently, Norfolk County Council has agreed to contribute toward the costs of operating the bridge until December.