Plans to build a huge cruise liner terminal in Greenwich have received fierce criticism.

Developer Westcourt Real Estate, which is overseeing the development of the terminal, have stated the new cruise liner terminal at Enderby Wharf will create 500 full-time jobs for the area.

But Greenwich Green party have criticised this figure as a 'wild overestimate'.

Greenwich Green Party member Simon Edge said: "One of the main selling points of the scheme has been the new employment will supposedly bring to the area.

"The figure of 500 full-time jobs is frequently quoted but we note the vast majority of these jobs come in the category of 'indirect employment'."

Mr Edge stated the terminal would only create 68 jobs directly and was relying on 432 other jobs to be generated through expenditure by passengers, crew and the cruise line.

He added: "Given most cruise passengers have paid for all their meals on board, they are unlikely to spend much cash dining on shore, and any money they spend on souvenirs is as likely to be in the city centre as Greenwich.

"As far as we can calculate, a 3,000 passenger cruise ship of the kind the proposed terminal will accommodate would pump out as much air pollution during a single visit to port as 1,000 cars and trucks would emit driving in an entire year.

"Given Greenwich already suffers some of London's worst air pollution, we consider it highly irresponsible the council ever agreed to a cruise terminal without addressing this question."

Westcourt Real Estate, have refuted this, stating that the port will become a key cruise destination encouraging cruise liners to stay in Greenwich for longer.

David Margason, said: "Longer stays will mean more employment and ship provisioning, resulting in cruise operators, visitors and crew spending more time and money in the locality.

"It will make a significant economic contribution to Greenwich and it is our aim to ensure that London City Cruise Port is a jewel in the crown for the area."