Campaignershave stepped up their attack on the Port of London Authority over plans to axe a key harbourmaster's office off south Essex.

George Baker, secretary of Benfleet Yacht Club spoke out against the proposals and warned public safety on the Thames could be compromised as a result.

The PLA has blamed the planned closure of the office at Hole Haven Creek off Canvey on financial cutbacks, caused by the knock-on effect of the Shell Haven refinery shutdown.

The harbourmaster, Bill Metcalf, and his assistant, Nicky Fortune, have been offered voluntary redundancy or jobs elsewhere on the river

Mr Baker said: "All local people who use the river are very upset and unhappy by this.

"What it means is that if a problem occurs on the river, for example people misbehaving, we won't have access to that immediate resource to sort the problem out.

"The office has been there for so long, we are certainly going to sorely miss it." However, the Port of London Authority will keep a watchful eye over the water once the out-post is shut down.

Hole Haven will still be watched over by harbour service boats which will be able to respond to problems much quicker than land-based staff.

Spokesman Colin Davies said: "Hole Haven has been identified as an area which is difficult to justify the level of cover it has at the moment.

"This specific office provides localised support for the area around Canvey and looks after the moorings.

"The area will be watched over by harbour service launches, which come from Gravesend but are stationed in the water, especially at busy times such as summer."

However, Mr Baker added: "I really can't see how the PLA will uphold by-laws if it has no presence in the area.

"There is also the fact that mooring fees are likely to go up - it just seems that we are paying more, but getting less service."

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