Fast ferry will speed from Swansea to Devon

THE first-ever fastcat ferry link between Swansea and Devon is being welcomed by Swansea Council and business leaders in the city.

The Severn Link, a 50-minute car-carrying fastcat service between the city and Ilfracombe, is being launched on October 29 and aims to go into service early next year.

Council Leader Chris Holley said: "This is terrific news that comes in the wake of the announcement that the Swansea to Cork ferry is being reinstated. A fast cat service from Swansea to Ilfracombe would be a boost for the city's tourism economy and would allow Swansea people easier access to Devon and the South West of England.

"The service would also introduce many visitors from the Devon area to Swansea Bay for the very first time where I'm sure attractions such as Gower would make a hugely positive impression and would encourage people to return.

"We've got so much in Swansea that would appeal to visitors. Investment in recent years has seen the opening of the £32m LC leisure centre, the National Waterfront Museum and the state-of-the-art Aspers casino. We're fortunate to have first-class facilities and attractions that cater for all ages and interests."

Swansea's tourism industry is worth more than £300m a year and rising. And according to the latest figures more than 4.1m tourists visited the area in 2008, an increase on 2007.

Hywel Evans, chair of Swansea Business Forum, said: "The fastcat ferry and the return of the Swansea-Cork ferry are both votes of confidence in Swansea as a destination and as a place to do business.

"There's new private investment going into the city centre's retail sector with the arrival of High Street names like Zara, Slater and Animal and the promise of more. These new arrivals, combined with the maritime initiatives mean Swansea's well-placed to benefit from the economic recovery when it comes."