An action group has been newly reformed to oppose proposals for a 900-berth marina on Poole Quay.

Poole Harbour Action Group (PHAG) has made a stand against Poole Harbour Commissioner’s alternative proposal for an extended marina on the quay.

Their first plan for a marine centre in front of Hamworthy Park has been fiercely opposed by residents and windsurfers.

“We believe the Poole Quay proposal is fanciful, unworkable, and as potentially destructive to the ambience of the quay and shoreline as all recent development initiatives have been,” said acting-chairman Chris Randle.

Launching their campaign, he said their aim was to get the word out that the harbourside was threatened.

“We hope people will join us and agree that this proposal ought to be stopped,” he said.

Residents fear a massive extension to the current marina, with a high sea-wall and cruise ship berth would obscure views across the harbour from the quay and Baiter and cause traffic congestion, he said.

Mr Randle said boat owners drop off car passengers on the quay and he could not see them driving to the port and using a service boat to return to the marina.

“They will just drop off passengers on the quay and go and find somewhere to park, adding to the congestion,” he said.

The original PHAG was formed to fight plans for a 1,000 berth marina on the quay, which ended up as a much smaller boat haven. And their opposition comes after Poole People leader Cllr Mark Howell gave qualified approval to PHC’s second proposal.

PHC have launched a 20-week consultation on their draft Port Master Plan which includes the two sites and are keen for people to give their views.

“Following the launch of the draft plan in September we’ve already met with a number of stakeholders, groups and organisations and over the next few months we hope we’ll engage with many more,” said chairman Richard Lacey.

The action group has a website, pooleharbouractiongroup.com through which they can be contacted and is urging people to make their views known.

• PHC drop in sessions take place at the North Lounge of the passenger terminal at the port on November 3 from 11am to 3pm and on 4th from 3pm to 7pm.