THE biggest critic of a planned £750m container terminal in Hampshire may have to withdraw from the public inquiry because of a lack of money.

Residents Against Dibden Bay Port (RADBP), which claims to represent the interests of 50,000 people living on the western side of Southampton Water, warns that it will be forced to pull out unless £40,000 can be raised.

It has already spent £50,000 on fighting plans for the huge container terminal between Hythe and Marchwood. Now the campaigners must raise almost as much again to remain at the hearing into the controversial application by Associated British Ports, which is scheduled to last for another seven months and costs RADBP £2,000 a day.

The Hythe-based group is planning a series of fundraising events and is also seeking donations from residents and parish councils in the area.

Hythe county councillor Brian Dash has decided to make monthly donations to RADBP to help the protesters reach their target.

He said: "I've been hugely impressed by the work they've done addressing issues and supplementing the case presented by the county council.

"I wouldn't like to think their efforts might be cur-tailed by lack of funding.

"It would be awful to look back after the inquiry finishes and think 'if only'."

The RADBP has spent two years opposing plans by Associated British Ports (ABP) to build a six-berth terminal on 500 acres of reclaimed coastline.

Five months ago the group flew large balloons to illustrate the height of cranes that will line the quayside if the scheme is approved.

RADBP chairman Paul Vickers said: "Our attendance at the inquiry and events such as the balloons means we've spent the £50,000 raised last year.

"We need to raise a similar amount this year to maintain our presence at the inquiry.

"The hearing is run on the lines of a court. It's important we're well represented to counter the weight of ABP's large legal team.

"The problem we face is that we don't have sufficient funds to carry our campaign through to the end."

Leaflets appealing for donations say RADBP's legal team are costing it £2,000 for every day they appear at the hearing.

Marchwood district councillor Nick Smith urged people to support the fundraising campaign.

He said: "Dibden Bay is one issue that affects everyone in the Marchwood area and we've got only one chance to fight the proposals."

New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis expressed similar views, saying RADBP was putting forward an "excellent" case at the inquiry.

He added: "I hope people will give all they can to enable us to win this David-against-Goliath battle."

Marchwood parish councillor Alan Shotter said: "Taking part in a major public inquiry is very expensive especially when you're up against an organisation the size of ABP.

"It's important that RADBP remains at the hearing because they represent the views of the man in the street."

ABP maintains that the proposed port is vital to the future of Southampton docks.

It says the scheme will create a large number of jobs, and insists that mitigation measures will limit the environmental impact of the terminal.

An ABP spokesman said: "We will continue to work with residents to resolve any issues that might remain or arise as a result of our proposed development."

Anyone wishing to donate to RADBP should write to the treasurer, John Coombes, The Old Manor, Manor Road, Dibden, SO45 5TJ.