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Wales-Devon ferry aims for 2008 Wales-Devon ferry aims for 2008
(about 11 hours later)
Backers behind plans for a "fast cat" ferry between south west England and Wales will tell business leaders in Swansea it could be running in a year. Backers behind plans for a "fast cat" ferry between south west England and Wales have told business leaders in Swansea it could be running in a year.
They say £1m has been promised for the passenger services from Ilfracombe to Swansea and Minehead to Penarth. They said £1m had been promised for the passenger services from Ilfracombe to Swansea and Minehead to Penarth.
It is the first time they have met in Wales to discuss the plans and follows a summit in Devon earlier this year. It was the first time they have met in Wales to discuss the plans and followed a summit in Devon earlier this year.
The leader of Swansea Council said it was a "great opportunity for tourism" but the business plan must be "robust". The west Wales Chamber of Commerce said it was "impressed" by the "exciting and innovative idea."
Business and council leaders from both sides of the Bristol Channel are meeting in Swansea on Tuesday to discuss the scheme. Business and council leaders from both sides of the Bristol Channel met in Swansea on Tuesday to discuss the scheme.
The business plan will need to be very robust Chris Holley, Swansea Council leader Chris Marrow of Mariners Marine Consultants outlined his plan to more than 25 delegates including Welsh Assembly Government representatives and Swansea councillors.
Chris Marrow of Mariners Marine Consultants will outline his plan to more than 25 delegates including Welsh Assembly Government representatives and Swansea councillors. A passenger link with Devon would be a fantastic opportunity to boost tourism in Swansea Chris Holley, Swansea Council leader
Council leader Chris Holley said: "This is a great opportunity for tourism on both sides of the water. Speaking afterwards Steve Penny, president of the west Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is an exiting and innovative idea.
"Although this is a private scheme, Swansea Council wants to see what the business plan looks like and explore what role there might be for us as facilitators. "We were impressed by the business plan and we're looking forward to seeing how it can be developed over the coming months."
"The business plan will need to be very robust. Swansea council leader Chris Holley said it was "a great opportunity for tourism" on both sides of the water.
"But the potential opportunities for the tourism industry from passengers making the trip from north Devon are very clear." He added: "The organisations behind this project still have a lot of work to do to bring this very exciting project to fruition.
Mr Morrow initially plans a 138-passenger ferry but believes the routes could be developed for a "fast cat" vehicle ferry, which could travel between both coasts in around 35 minutes. "They will be coming back to us in the coming months with further and more detailed information."
Mr Morrow initially plans a 138-passenger ferry but believes the routes could be developed for a "fast cat" vehicle ferry, which could travel between both coasts in around 50 minutes.
He said it could launch in time for the 2008 summer season.He said it could launch in time for the 2008 summer season.
The proposal has been backed by the North Devon Chamber of Commerce and Industry.The proposal has been backed by the North Devon Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Spokesman Kevin Kelway said: "For the first time south west and south Wales business leaders are talking from the same collective song sheet, and we are very excited about this meeting."Spokesman Kevin Kelway said: "For the first time south west and south Wales business leaders are talking from the same collective song sheet, and we are very excited about this meeting."