CAMPAIGNING residents have published their blueprint to safeguard the future of a historic riverside wharf.

The Creekside Forum says Convoy's Wharf, Deptford, should be used as a cruise liner terminal to transport thousands of people in and out of London every day.

It believes its vision would stop the River Thames "dying" and create a "valuable Olympic legacy" for the capital.

But as it stands plans to build thousands of new homes on the site look set to go ahead, to the dismay of residents.

Forum member John Taylor co-wrote the 19-page blueprint entitled A Cruise Liner Terminal: London's Olympic Legacy.

Mr Taylor says transporting vast vessels up and down the river every day will maintain a practical use for the Thames.

He said: "Deptford has a rich maritime history. It is part of the fabric of the area.

"We want to stop the Thames dying. We don't want it to become a blank space between high-rise flats, with the odd poxy tour boat going down it."

Current plans for the 16th- century wharf will see it transformed in the next decade.

The proposals put forward by site owner News International include 3,500 new homes, a recycling plant, a new primary school and nearly 7,000sq m of retail space.

The forum says 3,500 homes is too many for the site and is against the recycling plant.

It wants to see 1,000 new homes built alongside a thriving cruise liner terminal.

Mr Taylor added: "This is a practical proposal. It would not be another white elephant.

"A cruise liner terminal would provide a valuable Olympic legacy for south east London."

The current housing plans were approved by Lewisham Council last year but have not yet been given the green light by the Mayor of London or the Government.

Forum members say they will now send the report to the council and other key decision-makers.