PLANS for a public pontoon have received the backing of river users. Eighty-three per cent of users surveyed said they would support a free facility on the Back Beach, Teignmouth. The most popular plan with 65 per cent of those surveyed was a pontoon at New Quay beach near the public steps. Less popular was an option near the former Morgan Giles boat yard, upstream from the lifeboat launch. A public pontoon would be the first of its kind in the estuary and would mean equipment could be loaded easily. At busy times, boatmen would be limited to 20 minutes alongside the pontoon to maximise use. It would be fixed by two piles at the seaward end and would be able to accommodate dinghies, small yachts and small charter vessels. Shower facilities attracted 83 per cent of support and 64 per cent said they would like more waste collection points. But 34 per cent said they were not aware of existing facilities. It is hoped that the project will attract funding from the regional development agency and it could be in place by next season, subject to planning permission. The survey results came at the Teign Estuary Partnership's annual forum on Monday. Estuary officer Graeme Smith said it was a new dawn for the Teign. There will be a revision of the estuary's Management Plan with priorities for the area for the next five years. 'There will be opportunities to take part in focus groups and consultation. Your views matter and we are committed to listening, learning and working together,' said Mr Smith. Achievements in the past five years include geographical surveys at Shaldon beach and the start of surveys at the Back Beach, scientific analysis and educational projects. On the horizon are plans to designate the upper Teign a nature reserve, improvements to the Templar Way and regeneration for Teignmouth. Speakers included BBC wildlife producer and Devon Wildlife Trust chairman Andrew Cooper, Devon County Council chief engineer on the estuary cycle route, Viv Wilson with an historic film collection, and Steve Astbury, of Teign Rowing Club, on Gigs and Seines. Guests were treated to Teign mussels and wine from Bishopsteignton Vineyard, Old Walls. Stakeholder representatives Mr Cooper and Nigel Roberts will continue with the forum after no further nominations were received. To contact the partnership with your views, telephone Mr Smith on 01626 215748.