CAMPAIGNERS in Totton are raising the stakes dramatically over their demands for cash compensation if plans for a new dock go ahead.

On Tuesday, the town council's planning officer Roger Hill told the public inquiry into plans for a new container terminal between Hythe and Marchwood that "£3m should come from ABP if its scheme goes through."

But when the inquiry into the plans by ABP continued yesterday, New Forest councillor and Rushington Manor Residents' Association secretary Bill Catt suggested a more appropriate figure would be £10m a year.

He warned of the way the town will be even more acutely split by extra trains going over its level crossing.

If the scheme went ahead, he said, Totton would be "entitled to a considerable gain."

He explained: "All towns are trying to improve their environment. Totton is a transport key - road and rail. About £10m a year for the next 50 years for ourselves in Totton to solve any problems might start to be acceptable - and we want it in advance."

Another of Totton's district councillors, Robin Harrison, also expressed fears over the amount of time the level crossing gates in Junction Road would be closed for the additional trains generated by the port.

He suggested "very substantial" funds for environmental improvements in the Junction Road area, but did not mention a figure.

Hampshire county councillor Edith Randall was unable to attend the inquiry because of an arm injury, but in a statement read by Mr Hill, she referred both to the impact of trains and on the number of extra vehicles on roads past the town.

With unemployment in the area low, she said: "It follows that potential employees will have to travel some distance to reach Dibden Bay."

That that would add considerably to noise nuisance for her residents.

Fears were also expressed on the impact on nearby March-wood by its district and parish councillor Nick Smith.

He referred to the likelihood that road improvements would be needed and to an agreement by ABP to carry out surveys every three weeks after the port is operational.

With three years needed before the first surveys, an estimated three years for any finance and detail of a scheme to be worked out and three years for the construction phase, he said: "We are looking at nine years of misery before anything can be done.''