A WELCOME boost to the economy ... and “a disaster of epic proportions.”

Those were among the reactions to Poole Harbour Commissioners’ proposals for a large new marina in the harbour.

Some Daily Echo readers have welcomed plans for a £20-25 million marine centre with 950 berths, 200m off Hamworthy Park.

Others have slammed it as “an appalling act of vandalism”.

Windsurfer Ken Bartlett, who describes Hamworthy Park as his back yard, said: “At the moment it is one of the best locations in the harbour. It gives us the chance to get across into open water that is too shallow for a lot of other craft. With this development windsurfing would end here.”

Mike Barnett, who also windsurfs, said: “This is an unnecessary and ugly proposal that would ruin the harbour amenities for many local people in return for providing yet another floating car park for the well heeled.”

Chris Eaton of Upton, who sent us this picture of a sunset at Hamworthy Park, said: “The views from Hamworthy Park beach are spectacular and the proposed new development would totally ruin them.

“There is enough upheaval and change in Hamworthy already with the new Twin Sails and associated redevelopments.”

Nospinnaker of Hamworthy said on this website: “What an appalling act of vandalism,” adding “this will be a disaster of epic proportions if it ever gets built.”

Westbourneman said: “No doubt there will be people who don’t like it but they will benefit from the desirability of their area once it is built.”

Beach hut owner, dinghy sailor and canoeist Isnsrti said: “Obviously I believe in maintaining and enhancing our harbour, but not at the expense of spoiling existing and very popular viewing areas.”

Friends of Hamworthy Park members who discussed it at their committee meeting were said to have greeted the proposals with “shock”.

Member Fred Winwood said: “They are taking a great lump of the harbour out of general use.

“It really is obstructing views from Hamworthy Park.

“I think it’s unnecessary.”

Support has come from Bruce Grant-Braham, chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership who said: “The size and popularity of the harbour has always warranted a facility such as this.”

He said it would provide world class facilities to enhance Poole’s reputation for world class watersports.

He added: “In terms of tourism the plans make the most of Poole’s unique position and fabulous natural environment whilst opening up exciting new opportunities such as the lucrative cruise market which would have a major impact on the town.”