AN ONLINE petition set up by a windsurfer against the proposal for a new Poole Harbour marina has attracted around 250 names in a matter of days.

Mike Barnett, who has windsurfed off Hamworthy Park for more than 20 years, claims Poole Harbour Commissioners’ proposals would make it “unsailable”.

However, the Poole Harbour Commissioners chief executive Jim Stewart says windsurfing could continue alongside the development.

The proposal, is for a £20-25 million marina 200 metres off Hamworthy Park with around 950 berths and a new home for Poole Yacht Club.

“This proposal would destroy this fabulous location for windsurfing, kiting and impact on other water-based sports in the area as well,” said Mr Barnett, who is a member of the Friends of Hamworthy Park.

“It’s an absolutely beautiful place to sail. But this would completely block the reach across to Brownsea in the prevailing south-west winds.”

In winter, around 20 hardy windsurfers used the car park, the grass and the beach, he said and in summer, 50 to 60.

Hamworthy’s four Conservative councillors are among those objecting to the plans, which it is feared would obliterate a large part of the view from the park.

“We oppose this development in its current form,” said Cllr Mike White, on behalf of Cllrs Roger Gregory, Graham Chandler and Mike Wilkins.

“We are ahappy to sign this petition and formally submit it to Poole council.”

He said they would be tabling a motion at the area committee on March 9 opposing the proposals and holding a public meeting.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of PHC, said that they recognised the importance of the wide range of watersports that took place in the harbour.

“We know that windsurfers use Hamworthy Park and we look forward to meeting them to hear their views and understand their concerns,” he said.

“There will be extensive consultation over the coming months and issues such as winds, tides and flows will be fully addressed and modelled in the environmental impact assessment.”

He said windsurfing could continue alongside the development and they looked forward to talking to windsurfers.