I WAS surprised and disappointed by the vitriolic attack (August 28) on the Falmouth Docks management by the opponents of the plans to dredge the approaches to the harbour, especially when the author had recently appeared on ITV news complaining of hype and exaggeration surrounding the subject and in the same breath likening the environmental issues to those surrounding the protection of Stonehenge (which was erected without planning consent and little concern for the long term effect on virgin countryside).

Over many years it has been my perception that the management at A&P and its predecessors have been totally focused on providing a cost effective, adaptable, versatile and reliable service to the shipping industry that is highly regarded around the world. This can only continue in a very competitive world if you can attract a wider variety of customers.

If your range of clients is restricted by size, draught, or other factors the work goes elsewhere. If there are a large number of vessels in the industry that cannot be accommodated at the moment the company must address that problem to survive. Similarly, Falmouth cannot thrive on floating caravan sites and festivals alone. Every (legitimate) business which adds to the prosperity of the area must be encouraged.

And so the saga of the dredging programme rumbles on. Who will benefit if permission is refused? Refusal based on protecting a relatively small area underwater habitat will have almost no economic benefit. Refusal would probably result in the decline of the ship repair work and would benefit those developers sitting on the sidelines waiting to build luxury apartments and marinas.

Meanwhile it appears to me that the Marine Management Organisation is pussyfooting around and is under no pressure to make a decision. We keep hearing of various reasons for delay when all aspects of environmental impact were covered long ago. The delays hamper the long term planning of companies such as A&P in a fast changing world. If the MMO cannot make a decision the government should step in, or face the economic consequences.

John Charlton, Carclew Terrace, Devoron.