There are plans to create 350-berth marina

In this month's Billet the Board says the waiting list for marina berths has more than 300 names on it, but Harbourmaster, Captain Robert Barton, states a figure of 1,200.

And Gary Blanchford, who is opposed to the construction of a 350-berth marina at St Sampson's harbour, is challenging the Board to explain the differences between numbers quoted and to prove its figures are accurate.

He wants an explanation of the discrepancy and for the Board to present its figures for independent assessment.

I think St Sampson's should be retained as an area of character and part of that character is its harbour Gary Blanchford

"There are a lot of mixed reports about waiting lists," said Mr Blanchford.

"At the moment these figures seem to be misleading the public."

He has also hit back at claims made by the President of the Guernsey Marine Traders Association, David Norman, that signatories to the 4,000-strong petition against the scheme did not understand what they were signing.

Mr Blanchford said campaigners had tried to present balanced information and that to claim signatories did not understand the issues was "an insult to their intelligence".

He also said he knows of a number of marine traders who are opposed to the development.

"I think St Sampson's should be retained as an area of character and part of that character is its harbour," said Mr Blanchford.