There are proposals to construct a �3m 350-berth marina

The traditional harbour faces modernisation by the States in order to cope with the increasing number of leisure boats moored around the island.

The Board of Administration is considering the construction of a �3m 350-berth facility.

Niall Rhy-Evans, manager of Guernsey's Beaucette marina, said the harbour development should go ahead because there is a lot of demand for more berths from boat-owners.

Boat-owner demand

More than 4,000 people have signed a petition in support of keeping the harbour the way it is.

Mr Rhy-Evans said he was not concerned about any new marina at Sampson's affecting business at Beaucette.

He said this was because he believed there was a huge demand from boat-owners for more berths, which could see the island become a "motor boat city".

Last week, Deputy Mary Lowe tabled an amendment which would see a clear-up operation of any toxic sediment at St Sampson's Harbour.

It also proposed a review of the layout of the moorings.