One of the south's leading business experts says the planned container port at Dibden Bay will lead to a huge boost to local trade and a growth in jobs.

Backing for the proposed world-class Dibden Terminal on Southampton Water has come from commercial organisations from across the region.

This comes as the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it will be representing its members and participating at the forthcoming public inquiry due to be held into the controversial plans by Associated British Ports.

If given the planning go-ahead, the Dibden Terminal would create a self-contained, six-berth container port on reclaimed land immediately opposite the present Southampton Docks.

Caroline Stennett, pictured, president of the chamber, stressed the importance of the project for Southampton and the wider regional economy.

"On economic grounds, the chamber welcomes the prospect of a new container terminal at Dibden Bay and supports the proposed development.

"For many years South-ampton has been one of Europe's premier ports, and each phase of its development has brought more trade, investment and jobs to the city and its wider region.

"I am sure that this development will give a great boost to the regional business community in terms of business opportunities and employment prospects.

"In a recent survey of more than 1,800 regional businesses of all sizes and from a wide range of activity sectors, more than 55 per cent of the respondents said they supported the proposed Dibden Bay development. While we support this development purely on economic grounds, the chamber recognises that there are sensitive transport and environment issues, which will be thoroughly addressed by other parties.''

The plans are facing strong opposition from local residents who claim there is no need for Dibden Bay which, they claim, will also damage wildlife in the area.

On the other hand ABP say the terminal is needed to meet the growing demands of the national and local economy and that it will generate further employment in the area.

A public inquiry into the scheme is due to begin later this month but arrangements have been thrown into confusion after the hearing found itself without a home.

It was to have opened at the Esso Fawley Recreation Club at Holbury on October 30 but the venue was withdrawn for what the company called "practical reasons''.