The ship's stern is still on site

But experts excavating the remains of the vessel discovered in Newport have declared that saving the stern, the last remaining piece, would be too dangerous.

Archaeologists from the Mary Rose Trust have said that several issues led to their decision including fears that a Victorian dock wall could collapse, the dangers of high tides and the depths workers would have to work at.

But local people have expressed anger at the decision and are holding a demonstration at 1400 GMT on Thursday.

Charles Ferris, who is part of the Save Our Ship campaign group said that saving the stern is a vital part of reconstructing the vessel.

"We are all bitterly disappointed that they have taken this decision about the stern," he said.

I know we have got a lot of support and hope that we can show how strong public feeling is to this issue Charles Ferris, Save Our Ship

"But we are delighted that they have raised the bow.

"We plan to keep on campigning to save the stern becasue we feel it is needed to get a correct reconstruction of the ship.

"When we heard about the decision we decided that we had to do something and we are going to hold a demonstration.

"I know we have got a lot of support and hope that we can show how strong public feeling is to this issue," he added.

Payment dispute

The Mary Rose Trust took over the excavation from the Gwent and Glamorgan Archaeological Trust (G-GAT) at the beginning of April following a dispute over payments with Newport council.

But on Wednesday, the G-GAT issued the authority with a writ claiming that they are owed more than �100,000 for the work.

They have said that they should have been paid for five weeks work lifting the timbers of the vessel.

"We have instructed our solicitors to issue a writ against Newport City Council for the recovery of the sum of �102,105 together with associatiated costs," said acting director of G-GAT, Andrew Marvell.

"It relates to the payment for works in connection with the removal of the Newport ship and the extended work necessary to actually remove it timber by timber," he said.

A spokewoman for the council refused to comment on the matter because of a potential legal dispute.

The timbers of the 65-foot vessel were discovered in the banks of the River Usk in the city during the construction of an orchestra pit for a new arts centre.