THE Daily Echo's 15,000 signature petition calling for Hythe Ferry to be saved was due to be officially handed over today.

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis and Daily Echo representatives were presenting the petition to the Valuation Office Agency in Southampton this morning.

The hand-over comes after a senior government minister refused to accept the petition, which aims to prevent the vital transport link being sunk by soaring costs.

Campaigners accused Paymaster General Dawn Primarolo of ignoring the views of the thousands of local people who added their signatures.

White Horse Ferries faces a huge hike in its annual business rates bill, which is set to rise from £2,000 more than £8,000.

The increase - which could cripple the heavily subsidised service - has been put forward by the Valuation Office Agency.

Mrs Primarolo is the minister responsible for the agency but declined our invitation to accept the petition.

A government spokesman said the document would have to be presented to a valuation officer instead.

He added: "The minister is aware of the issue but can't be seen to be intervening in the case of an individual taxpayer. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for her to receive the petition.''

The minister's decision has come under fire from Hythe county councillor Brian Dash, a keen supporter of the ferry service.

He said: "I honestly can't see any problem with her accepting the petition and finding out what's going on with the ferry.

"Surely she's interested in the future of the service - and if she's not, she should be.''

Richard Lay, a director of White Horse Ferries, said: "It's disgraceful behaviour by a minister who is not prepared to recognise the importance of a public transport service.''

For more on the battle to save Hythe's ferry - click the 'Campaigns' link on the left of this page.