ENVIRONMENTALISTS have slammed plans to build a marina at a Mid Cheshire beauty spot.

Last week we revealed how campaigners said Billinge Green Flash, which lies on the Trent and Mersey Canal at Whatcroft between Northwich and Middlewich, was under threat from plans for the 30-acre development which would cater for up to 290 boats.

Rudheath-based Ripple Developments UK Ltd, which intends to submit a planning application by early December, says it is necessary. But members of the Inland Waterways Association are leading a campaign and have been supported by Lillian Burns, the vice-chairwoman of the Middlewich-based Campaign for the Protection of Rural England's Cheshire branch.

She said: 'If there is a genuine need for a marina on this canal, then research should be carried out to find a more suitable area which would be less environment-ally damaging. The concern with the site identified is that it is an important wildlife site and a tranquil area worthy of protection. It should not be despoiled.'

Environmentalist Nicky Green, of Yew Tree Farm Whatcrot said: 'Hopefully due to access, the open countryside, local opposition and opposition by various bodies, this development will be stopped in its tracks.

'My immediate thought is of the destruction of such a wonderful wildlife haven.

'It is one of the few places locally where kingfishers thrive and swans always nest here.'

She claims another marina planned in the area by a local farmer would duplicate the problems and attract more boats to the area.

She said: 'The canal at Billinge will become the M6 of canals with queues for miles at the locks, and nose-to-tail canal boats - creating a new horror - canal rage.

'My other concern is increased traffic on these narrow, winding roads, particularly at Billinge where, within yards of each other, there is a canal bridge, a railway bridge, dips in the road and bends.

'How many more cars will end up in the hedge or in the water?'

Ripple Developments anticipates that the work will be carried out in three stages, the first basin catering for 75-80 boats with the rest to follow if demand is high enough.

Stan Rowan, who runs Orchard Marina in Rud-heath, said there was demand for extra mooring spaces, but said it could put more pressure on an already overcrowded system.

He said: 'There is a demand for moorings, definitely, no matter what people say. The problem comes if the canals reach saturation point and waiting times at the Big Lock pub in Middlewich become too great - that's when boaters could stop using the canal.'

YOUR Say: Do you think a marina is needed?

E-mail: midcheshire.news@cheshirenews.co.uk