DREDGING for a major dock between Marchwood and Hythe could send muddy water into homes in the Hythe area, a public inquiry has been told.

The inquiry into Associated British Ports' plans for a Dibden Bay container terminal also heard that silt from the dredge could clog one of the area's most picturesque creeks further down Southampton Water at Ashlett.

Part of the plan is for the dredged materials to be pumped on to the shore between Hythe and Fawley and retired civil engineer Brian Evison, from Hythe, suggested that it could get into the tidal flow.

After recalling a phenomenally high tide on Boxing Day 1999, he pointed out that Hythe relied on a drainage system where water was pumped away.

He warned that a repeat of that level of tide, coupled with heavy rain and a south-easterly storm could carry large quantities of liquid mud into the pumps of the drainage system, leading to widespread property damage in parts of Hythe.

Mr Evison also said the wash from large ships could contribute towards eroding material deposited on the shore.

On the question of the threat to Ashlett Creek, Esso Sailing Club's immediate past president Mike Harvey referred to fears that his club could be forced off the water by heavy silting.

He said: "The club perceives a serious possibility that any dredging for a container port could result in accelerated silting in the Creek, making it unusable."

Their comments were disputed by ABP experts and on the question of silting at Ashlett, civil engineer Ian Townend said it was unlikely to be affected as it was a considerable distance from the dredging site and also had the protection of Fawley Refinery's marine terminal jetty.

Earlier, the Environment Agency's regional science and marine section head David Lowthion said dredging would have a serious impact on the water quality in Southampton Water and the Test Estuary, to the detriment of fisheries and shellfish in particular.

If European regulations were breached and improvements were not carried out, he told the inquiry, action could be taken. He also said high water quality was important with regard to salmon and other fish populations.

The inquiry has now been adjourned until Tuesday, April 16, when experts will begin giving evidence on nature conservation issues.