A LOCAL residents group has expressed concerns over a scheme to allow Olympic teams better access to training at Mudeford Quay in the lead-up to the 2012 games.

Plans to carve a lower level walkway along the length of the walled section of Gundimore Promenade have sparked reservations from the Stanpit and Mudeford Resident Association (SAMRA).

The work will facilitate better access to the water for boats, reduce boating traffic in The Run and pave the way for more youth and disabled groups to take up watersports, which is part of the legacy the newly-formed organisational consortium wants to create.

Since Highcliffe Sailing Club was included in the Olympic 2012 pre-games training camp guide, the Christchurch Sailing Community Partnership has been busy making preparations and have already received some serious enquiries about the use of the facilities.

But SAMRA say they are not against improvements to the Gundimore prom in general but expressed concerns about the consultation process, particularly at the speed it was passed, and the lack of views from Mudeford residents.

Secretary Mike Collard said: “We are not against the scheme but will say that the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

“The council have said they accept the consultation could have been done better. The main sticking point for the scheme will be with the cycle route.”

Cllr Alan Griffiths, leader of the council said: “As no planning permission was required for the scheme, we met with representatives of SAMRA to ensure that any concerns they might have were taken on board.

“I’m happy to say that the vast majority of responses to the consultation were in favour of the proposed scheme as it will not only provide a more suitable training environment for potential Olympic teams but will also give a lasting legacy of improved facilities for sailors and beach users, particularly young people, into the future.”

The work is due to be completed by Easter 2010.