NATURE lovers are gearing up to save a beauty spot they say would be destroyed by plans for a massive 30-acre marina.

But the company behind the proposals claims the development is necessary, and has the backing of boaters.

Billinge Green Flash, which lies on the Trent and Mersey Canal at Whatcroft near Northwich, is a popular haunt for anglers, walk-ers and boaters alike.

And campaigners say that is all under threat from plans for the marina which would cater for up to 290 boats.

Members of the Chester and District Branch of the Inland Waterways Association are leading the fight against the proposals.

The group says it appreciates the growing popularity of canal boating has led to a need for more moorings, but claims the marina is 'sited in totally the wrong place'.

Branch chairman Ron Evans told the Chronicle: 'To build a marina at Billinge Green would destroy one of the most valuable assets on the inland waterways, not just in Cheshire but nationally.

'The canal there goes through a conservation area and is a beauty spot - it would be a real shame to park 250 boats there.'

Northwich-based Ripple Developments UK Ltd intends to submit a planning application by early December, with a view to building a marina with three basins.

Nigel Wilder, the managing director, said: 'This is a significant investment in the community - there will be jobs for local people and we will be promoting nearby businesses like the farm shop at Whatcroft.

'We have had an excellent response from the boating community in terms of them wanting to be involved, wanting places to be able to stop and wanting better facilities than they might get at other marinas.'