River chiefs have confirmed plans to shut a key harbourmaster's office - sparking fears that safety could be jeopardised.

The Port of London Authority is to close the Hole Haven outpost off Canvey, blaming financial cutbacks caused by the knock-on effect of the Shell Haven refinery closure.

The oil giant used to contribute £2 million annually to the authority's £28 million budget to police the river, but the refinery is closing down this year.

However, when Hole Haven closes in June, river users claim racing speedboats and jetskis will cause mayhem in the area.

Mick Allwood, chairman of Hole Haven Fishermen Association, said: "The harbourmaster did a wonderful job getting the speedboats under control but now there will not be the same level of monitoring.

"Only two years ago, there was a death when two speedboats collided and there have also been a couple of serious accidents at East Haven. The pier is also the only deep water landing area where lifeboats drop off their casualties."

He added: "This is a rash move on the PLA's part. I appreciate it has to keep its own house in order but it also has a responsibility to river users. This outpost is our only direct link with the port authority."

However, the port authority claims 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 Davis 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."

The fishermen have enlisted the help of Ray Howard, Canvey county councillor, who said: "I am deeply concerned that the Hole Haven office and jetty location, which is in such a strategic position in the River Thames, should be so unprotected.

"It has large terminals, such as the oil storage and gas ones on the island. On the other side of the creek, it has one of the largest oil refineries in the country as well as a vast amount of small craft moored around the Canvey, Pitsea, Leigh and Southend areas.

"Added to this, are patrols along the seafront where windsurfers and small craft which exceed their speed limits often pose a serious problem to the river users."

Mr Howard has written to the port authority protesting against the closure and is waiting for a response.

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

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