PLANS for a new floating jetty at Mudeford Sandbank have been unveiled.

An artists impression of the temporary structure, which would be in place for the summer season, has already received a wave of public support from boat users and beach goers.

The plans have been launched by the co-owner of the Beach House eaterie, Jeremy Carpenter.

And he says that if the plans are approved, it would bring the beauty spot in line with other places, providing somewhere for people to safely drop off and collect passengers.

It comes after Christchurch Borough Council controversially installed a gate on the current pontoon nearly two years ago.

The move prompted anger from beach hut owners and boat users, as the gate prevented them from dropping people off at the jetty.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Mr Carpenter said the pontoon would be a Versadock style structure in place from April until October.

And the business is also considering working with a small RIB company to collect people from their boats and use the jetty to get them to shore.

Talks have already taken place with the council, with permission needed from the Crown Estate and Meyrick Estate before planning permission can be applied for.

“We’ve certainly got the ball rolling”, Mr Carpenter said.

“It would be only for dropping on and off purposes and we would like to make it free, but that depends on the council.

“If the cost is not massive, we will absorb it.

“We’ve had such a great reaction from people already - it’s obviously something which is wanted by a lot of people.

“However, I want to reiterate that this would not be for mooring.”

He criticised the cost of a water taxi service which ran during the summer and charged £10 for a single trip.

“It was an extortionate cost to charge people”, he said. “It would be nice if a service was provided, but for something much more reasonable.”

The jetty would be available for everyone, not just customers of the Beach House.

Online, people have been praising the idea, saying: “Great idea and a good solution to the problems related to the ferry pier.”

Another said: “Fantastic idea. Let’s hope the council realise how this would be beneficial to all parties.”