WATER buses could be used to help ease congestion in the conurbation, a councillor claims.

Boscombe West councillor Philip Stanley-Watts said sea transport could complement early stage proposals for a light railway or monorail in a bid to reduce traffic in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

"These are used in several parts of the country, the nearest is in Bristol where the water bus network takes people up and down the river, and I think they are much-needed," said Cllr Stanley-Watts.

"They could travel between the piers and Poole Quay, and perhaps travel up the River Stour.

"Everyone knows we can't keep building roads all the time and the congestion is just going to get worse.

"This might not be workable but we have got to look at every possible alternative."

Cllr Stanley-Watts said he planned to raise the proposal at a future council meeting.