THE trust set up to buy Bembridge Harbour and run it for the community, says it is ready if the company which owns it is wound up by the Inland Revenue.
Founder trustee of Bembridge Harbour Trust (BHT) Donald Biddle said: "We believe these events may result in an opportunity to acquire the harbour.
"If this happened, the BHT, with all its expertise, will regenerate Bembridge Harbour as an important economic and environmental centre for the many activities to which it is central."
Mr Biddle said he and his fellow trustees were monitoring the position Bembridge Harbour Improvement Company found itself in following the recent petition by the Inland Revenue — now adjourned for 56 days — to wind it up for unpaid taxes.
BHT was formed as a charity four years ago, with its main objective to acquire Bembridge Harbour.
Bembridge Harbour has been on the market for more than a year but BHT says its three professionally-valued offers have all been rejected.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk