Swansea to Ilfracombe ferry gets green light
THE FERRY link between Ilfracombe and Swansea will be confirmed officially today — bringing with it high hopes of greater prosperity for the entire North Devon region.
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ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS: How the new Fast Cat ferries will look. Visit our website at www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk to see more.
Severn Link, the company behind the project has announced the first passenger ferry will make its 50-minute crossing at Easter-time next year, with fares coming in at around £22.
Additional destinations in North Devon, West Somerset and South Wales are yet to be finalised.
The 40m Fast Cat catamarans will be capable of 34 knots — around 39mph. They will seat up to 360 passengers and are expected to make two return journeys daily — rising to five during peak times.
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."
75 Comments
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by Meme, Barnstaple
Monday, March 22 2010, 3:20PM
“About time too!!!”
by Ian Harris, Swansea
Thursday, March 11 2010, 2:11PM
“Having read some of the comments left on this site, perhaps the bigoted, childish morons who have been insulting each other should just stay at home, and let the rest of us, who are a little bit more adult have a say.
I think that at last someone is trying to make a an effort in linking south Wales and north Devon. Even if it's only a link during the summer months, it gives tourists in both areas an opportunity to have a great day out, and perhaps sow the seeds of future holidays in both regions. If this link were to be successful, it could lead to better ships and better all year round links. Lets be honest, anything that cuts out all that road mileage has to be good.
Lets all stop moaning, be more positive, and at least give this venture a chance.”
by Christian, Swansea
Tuesday, February 16 2010, 4:41PM
“Great news about the ferry!! will it carry cars?! I often drive to south cornwall and the ferry would cut the drive time!”
by Ms L Herdman, swansea-plymouth
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 8:10PM
“I think the idea of the ferry from swansea to devon is an excellent idea, however it is such a shame that it only goes to north devon and not to south devon (Plymouth) aswell, as my boyfriend lives there and I would definately use the ferry and so would my boyfriend who comes to neath almost every weekend, rather the motorway. Maybe this could be a suggestion you could discuss with whomever is in charge. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future, to acknowledge receipt of this email.
Many Thanks
L Herdman”
by Chris Jones, Bristol Channel
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 6:34PM
“Fred, Oliver, Adrian, Damien, Mostly Morte Point looking for a waterproof jacket . . . . . . . . . . you have obviously never been on a Hovercraft in poor weather.
The road network in South Wales struggles at the best of times without extra cars travelling to the west country using it. Besides, a tunnel will never happen - have a look at figures for smaller projects of a similar nature. Its more likely to finish the banks off than save them !!!!!!”