IT is expected to be a heated meeting when the contentious issue of sailing bigger ferries on Lymington River is discussed tonight.

Wightlink plans to introduce two new £10m ferries to its Lymington to Yarmouth route next summer.

However, the ferries, each weighing 1,496 tons, are facing stiff opposition from Lymington residents, including members of The Lymington Society, the Lymington River Association and Lymington Town Sailing Club.

Too dangerous They fear that the new ferries, which are longer and taller than the current vessels and will displace almost twice as much water, will damage Lymington River's mudflats and make sailing in the river too dangerous.

Those for and against the new ferries will come face to face for the first time this evening at a public meeting to discuss the matter.

Clive Sutton, chairman of The Lymington Society, will chair the meeting.

A statement from the society says that the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry route is "of vital importance". It continues: "Even the current ferries are felt by many to be too large to be safely accommodated in a narrow meandering river such as the Lymington River.

"People are extremely concerned that the arrival of the larger ferries may put at risk many of the traditional river pursuits that generations have taken for granted until now, with little compensation for the town in return.

"Equally important is the possibility of damage to the unique and already threatened habitats of the mudflats either side of the river, which are internationally important and are supposed to be protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest."

Andrew Willson, chief executive of Wightlink, will also be at the meeting, along with other representatives from the company.

Mr Willson said: "I fully appreciate that there are local concerns about the introduction of new Wightlink ferries.

Safety requirements "The current ferries have to be replaced - not to do so is not an option. They are over 34 years old and are now reaching the end of their useful lives.

"The new ferries have been designed specially for this route.

"It is true they are heavier, but the overall dimensions are very similar. The main reason for the increase in weight is to comply with current safety requirements."

The meeting will take place in Lymington's new Fuller-McLellan Hall from 7.30pm.