The manager of an Oxford boatyard threatened with closure is urging British Waterways bosses to grant him a reprieve -- and not take him to court.

Steve Goodlad, who runs Castle Mill Boatyard, has been told he will have to leave the site in Jericho because it is required for housing.

The owner of the site, British Waterways, has struck a deal with Bellway Homes, which wants to build 46 flats next to the canal, but Mr Goodlad is still discussing options with the company, including re-siting the yard elsewhere.

Mr Goodlad, who has received a County Court summons to an eviction hearing on April 25, is pleading for more time because a public inquiry into whether planning permission for the homes should be granted has not yet been concluded.

Earlier this month the inquiry was adjourned by a planning inspector, who wants to hear more evidence. It will be reconvened in May.

Mr Goodlad said: "British Waterways could let me stay until the planning inquiry has been decided.

"I have refused to go and that is why I have received this summons, but I am prepared to pay rent if British Waterways will come to an arrangement for the next few months.

"The outcome of the inquiry might not be decided until at least July and, in the meantime, I could be helping people fix their boats."

A campaign to keep the boatyard open has been backed by north Oxford children's author Philip Pullman, who is renowned for the His Dark Materials trilogy.

British Waterways spokesman Murray Geddes said: "Mr Goodlad was on a fixed-term agreement with a 10-day break clause on either side.

"The start date for the agreement was January 1, 2003, the break clause was structured in this way because we have a legally binding agreement with Bellway to give vacant possession when planning approval is given.

"The end date was December 31, 2004, and this was subsequently extended to February 25, 2005.

"We believe that Bellway's amended proposal deals with all of the objections raised by city planners and stands a good chance of succeeding on appeal.

"Mr Goodlad has decided to stay on at the boatyard after February 25 and is not complying with the terms of the contract between us.

"This has resulted in British Waterways taking legal action.

"Having said this, we hope to reach an amicable solution. Mr Goodlad and I are continuing to discuss options and I am hopeful that a solution can be reached in the near future."