3
Nov
Swansea to Ilfracombe ferry gets green light
The alternative by road is about 180 miles and nearly four hours
in travelling each way.
Businesses and tourism providers across North Devon have
long-anticipated the service as a means of boosting the
economy.
Severn Link chairman Chris Marrow said: "The project has
received the strongest possible support from business and
residential communities on both sides of the Bristol Channel and is
perceived as a key to much needed regeneration.
"Severn Link will be marketing the service heavily to national
and international markets, to raise the profile of the service, the
local areas and the attractions and is fully expected to contribute
positively to local economies, by driving visitor numbers to the
region."
Steve Pitcher, chief executive of North Devon+, said: "The
potential for North Devon to increase its tourist numbers outside
the high season is greatly helped by this ferry link which will
encourage travel all year round from the cities of South Wales and
beyond."
North Devon Council leader Des Brailey also welcomed the news.
"It's great news for Ilfracombe and North Devon. I hope it will
have longevity, but there is commitment there and we will try to do
all we can in the current economic situation to help," he said.
Ilfracombe Mayor Philip Webb said: "This is one of the most
significant events for Ilfracombe in several decades.
"The potential impact is that it will bring in hundreds of
people to spend a lot of money in the town, so businesses should do
better than they have done for quite some time."
Ilfracombe district councillor Paul Yabsley, who is also
chairman of Ilfracombe harbour Board, said: "This is extremely
exciting for Ilfracombe and North Devon. It's an incredible
opportunity to get a large number of people coming to North
Devon.
"There will also be some challenges for the harbour, but if the
ferry is a success it will be possible to look ahead at the
possibility of a car ferry in the future."
This story is courtesy of the North Devon Journal.