POOLE Harbour Commissioners propose to build a 950-boat marina on Poole Quay (see Rodney Pattison’s letter, November 22.) In fact the size of the proposed marina could probably accommodate well in excess of 1,100 berths.

Richard Lacey (chairman, Poole Harbour Commissioners) fears that traffic chaos is inevitable if Poole Harbour Marine Centre is constructed (see Bournemouth Echo February 9 2011). Poole Harbour Commissioners propose to avoid the traffic chaos they accept is inevitable, by the introduction of a boat taxi service from Hamworthy to Poole Harbour Marine Centre.

At a public meeting on Thursday November 22 2012, Mr Stewart, CEO Poole Harbour Commissioners, was asked the following question: “If market research reasonably confirms that the boat taxi idea is not viable, will he publicly give an assurance on the record, that Poole Harbour Commissioners will not build the proposed Poole Harbour Marine Centre?”

Mr Stewart refused to give the assurance requested. Instead Mr Stewart gave an assurance that “Poole Harbour Commissioners will not build a marina which is not viable.”

Mr Stewart's refusal to give the assurance requested inevitably raises the possibility that Poole Harbour Commissioners will build Poole Harbour Marine Centre even if the boat taxi service is not viable. The environmental impact if Poole Harbour Marine Centre is constructed without the proposed water taxi service or with a water taxi service that is not viable, is that substantial parking provision would be required on Poole Quay.

Poole Town car parks and Baiter Park car park and on-street parking would be overwhelmed, with the appalling consequence of very much increased congestion to be suffered by both residents and visitors.

The traffic chaos that Poole Harbour Commissioners believe to be inevitable would become a reality.

CHRIS RANDLE, Poole Harbour Action Group