A NEW harbour board is being set up to oversee the running of one of the country's busiest recreational ports.

Seven members will sit on the River Hamble Harbour Board and deal directly with issues affecting the thousands of yachtsmen and women using the port every year.

Hampshire County Council, which currently oversees the running of the River Hamble Authority, believes it is important to get more people involved at grass roots level.

Marine director David Evans will sit on the board as a county council representative.

He said: "We're looking for suitably experienced, independent people with the drive, enthusiasm and commitment to make a valuable contribution to the thriving life of the Hamble."

The harbour board will be established in the summer and take on many of the roles currently handled by the council.

A county council nominee will chair the board with two other county council members. Three further members are being sought from the community -- one with wide experience of recreational boating, one with expertise in commercial marine business and the other with a strong environmental background.

Sean Woodward, leader of Fare-ham Borough Council and Sarisbury ward councillor, said: "The river does require very careful management because there are a number of sites of special scientific interest. It is much more than just sailing. Upriver the Hamble is full of wildlife that needs protecting."

The harbour board will meet every two months during normal working hours at locations near the Hamble.

For more information call David Evans on 01489 576 387 or visit www. jobs.hants.gov.uk. The role is unpaid and lasts two years. Applications need to be in by May 16.