OPPONENTS and supporters of a contentious new access to the harbour at Poole port will have to wait until Friday November 5, to find out if it will be approved.

After hearing a whole day of argument at Poole Magistrates' Court, the bench decided the issue deserved further consideration and will give its decision next week.

The Borough of Poole and Poole Harbour Commissioners, (PHC) supported by Poole Harbour Association, argued that the "little used" access in New Quay Road should be diverted and a new one provided at Yard Quay.

This will enable Sunseeker to expand within the port and aggregate company RMC Materials to move, creating a new right of way between Wessex Wharf and Yard Quay.

PHC chief executive Jim Stewart told the court the move was necessary for safety and security reasons and said use of the road by fishermen was "sporadic".

Chris Francombe, Borough of Poole transport manager, said during a 12-hour survey carried out on June 21 there were eight car movements - compared with 100 in a small cul-de-sac.

There were clear benefits to the new access, which would have two parking spaces, seats, steps, life-saving equipment and would not be crossed by commercial vehicles, he said.

Among the objectors was Bernard House of Turlin Moor, who said he had fished there for 60 years and he and his wife, who both had disabilities, were unable to carry their gear far.

He said fishing would not be as good at the new access as it was in a bay, not on a point.

"There are only two places in Poole now where I can take my car, back up to the quay edge and sit there fishing," Mr House said.

"I think this whole area should be left as it is. Give back something to the people of Poole instead of take, take, take."

First published: October 30