FROM a slightly down-at-heel seaside town, Ilfracombe has been propelled into the national spotlight with today's ferry announcement — and the big question on many lips is "will it be ready?"

With a potential 360 visitors coming in twice a day from next Easter, there is a widespread recognition that the town has plenty to do before welcoming the first passengers off the boat.

Ilfracombe Mayor Philip Webb dubbed the announcement "the most significant event in Ilfracombe for decades", and recognised the potential boost to the local economy.

He said: "As long as businesses in Ilfracombe can offer customers what they want in a high quality package, the potential to boost trade is substantial.

"But many will need to recognise the opportunity and upgrade their facilities, particularly guest houses and hotels, because people coming across may stay overnight or longer and we want them to keep coming back.

"There is also a potential impact on employment, as hotels, pubs, restaurants and shops get busier and may need more staff. This would be very good indeed for the town."

John Brown, chairman of the Ilfracombe and District Tourism Association and proprietor of the Avoncourt Hotel, said: "I'm absolutely delighted, it's the best news Ilfracombe has had in years.

"We get a tremendous number of Welsh visitors and they all welcome the news, as they'll be able to pop over for a few days without making that long journey.

Busy

"I think the whole town needs to be ready, not just tourism providers and I know a lot of the councillors are working hard behind the scenes."

As reported in the

Journal

, North Devon + Joint Delivery Team is busy working to improve signs to help passengers find their way around the town and improve links between the harbour and High Street, concentrating first on Fore Street and then St James' Place.

They are also working closely with North Devon Council and Devon County Council to improve transport links and there are hopes a park and ride scheme will be introduced.

Robert McFarlane, chairman of Ilfracombe's High Street Traders said: "We really want to see more links between ourselves and Swansea businesses.

"Barnstaple may see itself as the 'Gateway to North Devon', but Barnstaple is also the Gateway to Ilfracombe and Ilfracombe is the Gateway to South Wales.

"Now that all the councillors are involved, we would really like to see a shuttle bus operating around the town — but yes, traders are jumping up and down about this."

Paul Yabsley, Ilfracombe district councillor and chairman of the Harbour Board, said: "This will present some fantastic challenges for the harbour, which will effectively become a port and recognised as the strategic asset that it really is.

"If the ferry is successful it will vindicate all the efforts we have been putting in over the years which will allow the harbour to be extended so that work can eventually begin for a car ferry."