SOME charges could soar after a controversial shake-up of the management of yacht moorings on the River Hamble.

But a banding arrangement for moorings is set to give affordable berths on the river to local charities offering youngsters sailing experience.

The administrative overhaul was approved by Hampshire County Council chiefs yesterday.

The scheme will see half of the 1,200 mooring sites currently licensed by the harbour authority placed directly in the hands of Whitehall.

The Crown Estate, which leases the river bed to the county council, will manage those moorings licensed to clubs and boatyards.

The remaining 600 sites licens-ed to individuals will be managed by the harbour authority, which will recommend the level of charges - including a special fee for charities.

But the River Hamble Mooring Holders' Association chairman Roger Daw said: "It seems to me that they have delegated power to the Crown Estate.

"It does not care about its public image and is only there to raise taxes for the government.

"It is under direct instructions to raise the most it can from its assets, which in this case is simply the mud on the bottom of the river which I just happen to park my boat on."

Assistant county planning officer and head of countryside services Merrick Denton-Thomp-son said: "I believe that all we are doing in this process is making clear the relationship on this vexed question of mooring charges."

A special mooring charge for charities will be introduced when the new arrangement is brought into force next January.