Boat users say they are concerned that plans by Falmouth Harbour Authority to charge them to enter the Fal estuary will deter people from using the waterway altogether.

The authority says the charges would bring Falmouth in line with other port authorities.

The harbourmaster of the Port of Truro, Andy Brigden, said: "The local harbour authority is proposing to make charges to all vessels using their waterways, but we argue that vessels which are just transiting should still enjoy exemption from this.

"We have no problem with people charging customers what they like, but they are charging our customers as they travel up to Truro."

Objections voiced

The chief executive of the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Mark Sansom, said: "The 1958 act which gave provision to everyone to use the harbour for free is completely out of date.

"The government is saying we have provision now to charge all users and these vessels actually spend longer in our waters than they do in Truro's."

Mr Sansom said the authority had responsibilities to vessels under its temporary jurisdiction which had to be paid for.

"We are obliged to provide a safe passage, an emergency response and so on."

Under the 1958 act the authority had been able to charge some vessels for passage which had in effect subsidised other boats.

Mr sansom said: "We are seeking to remove those anachronistic powers dating from the 1958 act and ensure a fairer distribution of the levy - it's a very different world from that of 1958."

The plan would affect both commercial and private vessels wanting to sail up the estuary.

Those who moor their boats along the river say the proposals would deter people from using the Fal estuary altogether.

Mr Brigden said the charges would mean one bulk cement carrier would get an extra bill of over �1,500.

Mr Brigden said: "We have no problem where people are using their facilities, but these vessels are just passing through.

"We have already voiced our objections, as have the Port Development Group."