IMPROVEMENTS to the public slipway at Abingdon Marina have been carried out to make it easier to launch large craft -- but a town councillor says more safety measures are needed.

Peter Fulk, the member for Caldecott, said he was frustrated at the lack of action from Builders Ede, the developer of the marina, and the Vale of White Horse District Council over issues he raised about the slipway six months ago.

Mr Fulk said: "We have a duty of care towards residents and visitors to the marina, particularly now when the boating season starts picking up."

Mr Fulk said the slipway had been built in such a way that it was dangerous to launch boats from the site.

He said: "People have to enter the water and there are no safety railings to provide security or grip for people wanting to get out of the water. There are no life saving rings or bollards for mooring."

He added that the slope was too shallow and vehicles dropping boats in the water were at risk of flooding.

Builders Ede's sales director, Ernie Rumsey, said a metal platform had been lowered into the water to improve the angle for boat launches. Mr Rumsey said life rings were available in more secure parts of the marina.

Vale district councillor Mary de Vere said: "We have not been dragging our feet on this issue, but working patiently with the developers identifying the problems."