A PLEA has gone out to stop the privatisation of water sports at Hengistbury Head.

Bournemouth council wants to stop subsidising activities like sailing and canoeing, but Margaret Norris, chairman of Bournemouth's Sailing and Canoeing Association, said a public consultation revealed overwhelming opposition.

Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre employs six staff and around 20 part time volunteers.

Mrs Norris told a full council meeting this week that if the council wanted to save money it could put up prices, "which a commercial provider would do anyway".

She also said courses could be put on in the evening, and that the centre had helped thousands of people and been a "literally life-changing experience" for some of them.

"It's using a jackhammer to crack a nut," she said.

"Qualified staff will be made redundant... you risk losing an educational establishment that has built up a good reputation over many years."

The centre also runs activities on dry land. Examples include hunting for insects, wildlife walks and pond dipping.

These would not be included in the privatisation.

Mrs Norris feared they would not survive on their own, as they would be not be as commercially attractive should the council decide they cost too much.

Her deputation to the council will be taken into consideration when the council cabinet votes on the plan.

The privatisation has already been approved by the Investing in People Overview Panel at its meeting on October 2.

The council's overall plan is to provide education at several locations, rather than just at Hengistbury Head.