RESIDENTS gathered on Bournemouth beach on Saturday to protest plans to build an oil rig in the bay.

Warning that the rig, though only planned to be in place for some 40 days, presented a risk to the town's tourism industry, the marine eco system and the environment in general, the group also wandered through the town handing out flyers urging residents to have their say.

It was organised by Simon O'Connor and Sara Goldsmith Pascoe.

"The main thing is to raise public awareness," said Mr O'Connor.

"The public has not been asked for their opinions about this proposal.

"If there was an oil spill or, at worst, a blowout, we would be the first affected by it. And it is not just a one-off event, the oil lasts for decades."

He said, echoing comments previously made by Bournemouth council, that the presence of the rig could harm the borough's £750 million tourism industry, while a spill could destroy it.

The group is urging residents to email the Energy Secretary with their comments at EMT@beis.gov.uk, but before the closing date for the consultation, which is today, February 19.

Search for Poole Bay Oil Rig on change.org to sign a petition against the plan, which currently has more than 1,500 signatures.