RIVER lovers say they have to go another summer without an open space by the Thames because plans for an improved marina are being held up.

Residents, who are part of Bourne End Riverside Millennium Project, want to create a beautiful space for them to enjoy the river and feed the ducks.

But they can't go ahead until planning bosses make a decision on a scheme to redevelop the marina.

In November last year Michael Shanly submitted a revised application for 14 homes built on stilts, a public open space, improvements to the Thames Path National Trail and enhancement of the Abbotsbrook Basin to enable people to feed the ducks.

Wycombe District Council has yet to say yes or no to the development.

Barrie Penfold, secretary of the Bourne End Riverside Millennium Project, said: "Yet another summer will go by with nowhere for people to sit and enjoy the river.

"It's lovely down there and it's an utter tragedy. The plan for the area seems to be dragging on unbelievably."

The Bourne End Marina development has been a hot topic for the last three years.

The site was originally earmarked by Berkley Homes and Tom Jones Marina to build 16 houses, a chandlery, replacement marina workshop and other facilities at the marina in Wharf Lane.

The development was opposed by groups including the residents association, Bourne End Riverside Millennium Project and the River Thames Society and was refused in March 1998.

Property developer Michael Shanly then bought the site and produced its own plans for the area. Steve Mellor, Michael Shanly group planning director, said: "Since the Michael Shanly Group bought the marina two years ago this month, the company has thrown out previous plans for an industrial scheme and worked closely with Wycombe District Council and Bourne End residents to produce a 21st century marina of which the local community can be proud."

A spokesman for Wycombe District Council said: "This is a complex application with many issues that need to be resolved before offices can recomment to councillors whether or not permission should be granted.

"The council is working with our technical advisors and the applicant to bring this to a conclusion as swiftly as possible."