OPPONENTS of plans for a huge new dock development on the shores of Southampton Water have vowed to fight the scheme all the way to Westminster.

The proposals for a container terminal at Dibden Bay are at present being thrashed out at a public inquiry in Southampton.

At the end of that, a report and recommendation by inquiry inspector Michel Hurley will go to the transport secretary - at present Stephen Byers - for a decision.

But at a public meeting at Hythe last night, called by Residents Against Dibden Bay Port, opponents vowed to find the money to continue its campaign.

"We were there when the inquiry opened on day one, with our opening statement and the signatures of 6,500 people who were against Dibden Bay.

"And we will be there on the closing day of the public inquiry with our closing statement and a petition containing probably even more signatures than we obtained at the start of the inquiry," said RADBP chairman Paul Vickers.

He scorned suggestions of financial problems and said: "From day one, four years ago to March 31 this year, we had raised and spent £60,000 to run everything in this campaign - which is slightly less than the £30m which ABP (who want to build the port) will have spent by the end of the inquiry.

"It is my view that in terms of value for money, we have done quite well."

But he added that in addition to money pledged, around £120,000 will be needed to see the campaign through.

His fellow RADBP campaigner Phil Henderson outlined the continuing fund-raising campaign, which has been boosted by 107 households paying £10 a month through bankers' orders.

But with over 30,000 people living in the Waterside area, he suggested that although there were indications that 98 per cent were against the scheme, less than one per cent had contributed.

"I only wish 98 per cent would phone up with their support," he said.

Earlier, New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis and Hythe's county councillor Brian Dash had both voiced their opposition to the Bay plan.