WEST Dorset's world heritage coast is facing the growing risk of an ecological and commercial disaster from a major oil spill in Lyme Bay.

That was the grave warning from local authorities and environmentalists this week who say increasing ship-to-ship transfers of crude oil are putting the shoreline under serious threat.

Both Dorset and Devon county councils, along with Friends of the Earth, have warned of the terrible consequences for the region's economy and unique wildlife habitats if there is an accident involving one of the super tankers anchored just a few miles off shore.

The giant ships are mooring in Lyme Bay to receive the oil, which is being brought by smaller tankers from the Baltic for onward transport to the Far East.

Each operation involves up to two million barrels and takes about 10 to 14 days with around six to eight smaller tanks loading the large vessel or "mother ship". There have been two operations in the last two months. The latest transfer began on Monday when the MT Iran Hormoz arrived in the bay.

Devon County Council said this week that it is particularly concerned as the oil being transferred is similar to that in the Erika and Prestige incidents which caused widespread damage to the French and Spanish coasts.

A spokesman continued: "The bay has been used for transfers for some time but these were mainly one-off operations of less persistent pollutants or in response to emergency situations. The current transfers are being carried out for commercial reasons only.

"The crude oil is very persistent and if spilt would come ashore. In the event of a catastrophe resulting in a total release of cargo, the amount of oil involved would affect the entire coast of the south west.

"The effects to the economy would be devastating, having a similar impact to the foot and mouth outbreak." Regulations governing the area are still in draft form after five years of discussion.

The area's county councils are discussing their concerns with the government, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Department of Transport.

Devon's executive member for community safety Coun Stuart Hughes said: "We want to see better regulation of the area and for this to be strictly monitored to minimise the pollution risk.

"If the area has to be used, it should be used wisely, with a dedicated contingency plan for these operations and adequate counter pollution equipment on standby in the area to be deployed at a moment's notice, as there would be if the operation was taking place in a British port. We think the current arrangements are insufficient.

"The transfers put the coastal environment, such as the World Heritage Site and other conservation areas and our economy at risk. More thought should also be given about what are the most appropriate activities for ship to ship transfers. Non-persistent cargoes such as petrol or jet fuel, rather than heavier grades of oil, would pose less risk." The County Council is also questioning the use of the bay by companies that do not use British ports, as although they pose a potential threat to the coastline, they are of very little economic benefit to the country."

Amongst local campaigners lobbying for increased safeguards to protect the Jurassic Coast is zoologist and marine biologist Dr Colin Dawes, of Lyme Regis.

He has warned that a major oil spill could affect the area's entire ecological set up - including its rock pools and bird life.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said ship to ship oil transfers were already subject to stringent supervision. The inspection record of each boat involved is checked to see whether there have been any infringements of regulations in the past, he stressed. New ships without any records were always inspected by MCA inspectors to ensure they fully complied with requirements.