A legal challenge being brought by Mayor of Portland Carralyn Parkes against the Home Office over the Bibby Stockholm barge has reached its target of raising £15,000.

She is seeking a judicial review on the grounds that planning permission was neither sought nor granted.

Mrs Parkes is a Portland Town Councillor for Underhill, where the barge is berthed and has been a Portland resident for 25 years, she was recently elected Mayor of Portland for 2023 and 2024.

A fundraising page was started to help fund the legal challenge against the Home Office, Mrs Parkes and her team were hoping to raise £15,000 by September 7.

After just one week, she has managed to raise over £15,000, surpassing their full target.

In a call-out to the public on the CrowdJustice page, Mrs Parkes said: "I can't afford to fund this legal claim by myself - but I am willing to front it because I've never heard anyone (other than the government or the businesses involved) say it's a good idea. Not in Portland, not in the rest of the UK.

"Dorset Council has not pursued legal action so I feel I must do this on behalf of my community.  I'm willing to stand up and represent us all, across the UK, who are appalled by this barge. 

"Together, we can hold the government to account, but I really need your support. If you think the barge is wrong, please help me to stop it."

The money will help cover the legal costs of the case and any possible costs which may need to be paid out if the case is lost.

Mrs Parkes said any additional funds may be used to "help others make different kinds of legal challenges against the use of the Bibby Stockholm".

Campaigner Nicola David of One Life to Live said: "I’ve been working closely with Carralyn on her legal challenge so I’m thrilled to see that we’ve reached the minimum target of £15,000 in just less than a week!

"It’s a sure sign that people everywhere are appalled by this insane plan. It’s not just local people who have mobilised so rapidly and generously: we’ve had more than 700 pledges from all over the UK.

“Litigation like this is costly, so we’d love people to keep donating. There are a lot of costs involved, and it’s vital to get this done well – once and for all.

Future plans for other barges could depend on the outcome of this claim.”