SAILING groups have launched a major plea for safety on Southampton Water in their parting shots to the Dibden Bay public inquiry.

In making its closing statement to the inquiry into plans for a huge container terminal between Hythe and Marchwood, the Cruising Association maintained its overall objection to the scheme.

However, it did also set out a four-point safety plan in a bid to reduce the risks. It asked inquiry inspector Michael Hurley for:

Minimum intervals of at least 20 minutes between big ships.

No reduction in yacht moorings.

Continued access to and from Hythe Marina, to the satisfaction of the Hythe Marina Village group.

A marked safety zone for recreational craft in the Solent to the west of the Thorn Channel.

But it also asked Mr Hurley to recommend to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling that permission for the terminal was not given "until he is satisfied through an independent risk assessment of potential dangers to recreational craft that safety of such craft is reasonably assured."

The Royal Yachting Association has withdrawn as one of the objectors. In its closing statement yesterday though it did refer to assurances it had obtained from ABP over continued scope for yacht racing in Southampton Water, monitoring or dredging activities, control over wash from big ships and unchanged traffic management in the North Channel of Southampton Water.

The Solent Protection Society continued its stance against the scheme and quoted a national report suggesting that port proposals in other parts of the UK were more appropriate.

It added: "There is no 'public interest' case for the development, especially given the alternatives, sufficient to override the serious, permanent and irreparable damage which this proposed development will do to the wildlife, landscape, countryside and recreational value of this very special stretch of coast."

Hampshire county councillor Mel Kendal, whose Lyndhurst division includes Marchwood, referred to the extra pressure on roads, the urbanisation of the green field areas between Hythe and Marchwood and the threat to the New Forest.

In calling for the scheme to be rejected, he said the need for it did not outweigh the adverse impact it would have on the area.