The man behind a scheme to increase mooring facilities at Port Pendennis Marina, Falmouth, has hit back at critics who fear the close proximity the extended pontoon system will be to the docks and to shipping.

Mike Webb who runs Castlematters Ltd., which operates the marina says criticism levelled at the scheme has been unfair and the extension can only be of economic benefit to the town.

It would help boost the maritime facilities in the area for both visitors and local residents.

A planning application was made to Carrick council some months ago when representations were made by A and P Appledore docks' management, local pilots and others expressing concern over the close proximity of the extended pontoon to large vessels and tugs manoeuvring in the inner harbour, particularly when berthing on the County and Duchy Wharfs.

But Carrick planners resolved to approve the pontoon extension subject to consent being granted by MAFF, now DEFRA, who are ultimately responsible for issuing a licence permitting the work.

That process is now under way and by October a decision should be given.

Mr Webb says many of the original fears about the scheme are unfounded and any problems which may have arisen because of the tugs operating at the docks are resolved now that new tugs have gone into service.

He wants to allay any fears people or organisations who use the area may have over the extension.

"This can do so much for Falmouth," he said.

More and more big yachts wanted to come into the port and he wanted to provide a berth for them as well as for local boat owners.

He was satisfied that the additional berths would not hinder any shipping movements or block access to the nearby Watersports Centre off Grove Place.

Mr Webb said he was not pleased that the Falmouth pilots had continued to object to the scheme adding that the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners who had moorings nearby and administered the area were "sympathetic" to the plan. Although they had expressed concern originally their view to DEFRA was not yet known.

Consultants used by Mr Webb in drawing up the scheme say with modern towage methods and new mooring arrangements there should be no problem with shiphandling at the docks. At least two former Royal Navy officers have also supported the scheme not least Peter Cowling, who is in charge of the new National Maritime Museum, Cornwall and John Robathan, who now lives in the area but had berthed at the County Wharf when captain of a frigate.