LONGER ferry hours, better cycle facilities and the possibility of a water taxi.

A number of suggestions on how to improve access to Mudeford Sandbank for visitors will be put to councillors at Christchurch next week.

It comes following a controversy about the 'jettygate' being installed on the sandbank's pontoon last year.

The review into access to the sandbank has yielded a number of recommendations which will be discussed by Christchurch council's policy and resources committee on Wednesday.

Members of a special group tasked with looking at the situation met with representatives from the Beach House cafe, the Mudeford Sandbank Beach Hut Asssociation and Mudeford Ferry operator.

A report to Wednesday's meeting details the talks from a number of meetings held last year.

And a draft action plan will be presented to members to approve.

Included in the proposal is whether the operating hours of the current ferry service to and from the sandbank could be extended during the summer season.

Or if this was not possible, an alternative service which could address the issue outside of the licensed hours, has been suggested.

Discussions about this are currently ongoing with the ferry operators and beach cafe management.

The report also says talks over a water taxi service and temporary private jetty had taken place last month.

However, if this was to go ahead, the private jetty would require approval of the landowner and a new lease agreement.

The suggestion of a water taxi and private jetty came about as a request from Beach House director Jeremy Carpenter.

The action plan also includes better facilities for cycle users.

The report adds: "Several of the proposals could impact on the quality of the unique environment of Mudeford Sandbank through the introduction of new structures or increased footfall as a result of improved access.

"It is essential that any proposals for improved access are proportionate and do not have an overall negative environmental impact."