Survey results and your comments
North Devon needs the economic development, the tourism benefit and the prestige of a ferry service between Ilfracombe and Wales and Ireland.
It would stimulate economic growth enormously for the whole of North Devon.
I want to see it happen and have set this website up to encourage more talk about it and to try to accelerate the move towards a development that would see this area's prosperity grow even further over the years to come.
Survey questionnaire results (476) so far
Comments from the ‘Your Say’ page
“When? Get an agreed date then it becomes a reality. Right now it is only an aspiration. Make it happen by moving it forward and get a date set.”
Rob McConnell
“My daughter son in law and granddaughter live in Helston, Cornwall. A car ferry crossing would cut the car journey in half. How much would it cost to go on this?”
Colin P
“Definitely open a ferry. It would be good for Ilfracombe, its people and business. I personally have friends in Swansea who I could go see very easily (or they could visit me). I would use this ferry and it would benefit both towns greatly and be a success.”
John Tucker
“Ferry crossing from N Devon to Ireland... Yes please!”
Derryck Morton
“We’re travelling from Cork this year for two weeks in Devon and Cornwall. This route would be such an amazing way to get there. As it stands we have to sail to Holyhead or Swansea from Dublin and then drive the whole way down. This will take us, all in, about a day, if not more. We would often visit Devon and Cornwall and would do so even more if this route was available to us.”
Ruth Stockdale
“We would visit Wales to see family and friends also for holidays. We would also transfer to a ferry to Ireland. We would also welcome a ferry to Cork as at the present we have to travel to wales to visit our relatives there. We live near Axminster in Devon and it would be very convenient to only travel to Ilfracombe. We would much prefer a car ferry.”
Mrs P Tarbox
“It takes about 6 hours drive to Ilfracombe from us here in Swansea and during peak season maybe more. This is the reason why I don’t holiday there! I think this is a wonderful idea as we could holiday in beautiful Ilfracombe and wouldn’t take us ages to get there.
“Definitely the thumbs up from us here in Wales!”
Stephanie Roach
“This is a much needed service and the word needs to be spread amongst the many caravanners that go to Ilfracombe and surrounding areas.”
Jayne
“As a single parent with young children, I often holiday in Devon and would strongly welcome a ferry service from Swansea to Ilfracombe as it would save me the hassle of a long journey with impatient children.”
Miss Caroline Young
“It would be a lot better if it was a car ferry but I could get someone to pick me up. I think it would be a really beneficial project to the community and used a lot by myself.”
Kerrie
“We do a lot of caravanning in North Devon, it would be ideal to have a ferry from Swansea to Ilfracombe.”
Mrs Rachel Cornhill
“We’re travelling from Cork this year for 2 weeks in Devon and Cornwall. This route would be such an amazing way to get there. As is stands we have to sail to Holyhead or Swansea from Dublin and then drive the whole way down. This will take us, all in, about a day, if not more. We would often visit Devon and Cornwall and would do so even more if this route was available to us.”
Ruth Stockdale
“I would certainly be interested in using this service if it became a reality - I live in the South of Ireland and travel to England regularly. However I feel there is one possibility you may have overlooked.
“What about a service to Waterford? See the,a href="http://www.portofwaterford.com">website for details of port facilities.
“The docks at Waterford have ample land for the development of terminal facilities. Also once the Waterford bypass and motorway to Dublin are finished (expected 2009 and 2010 respectively) will provide easy access to the south and east of Ireland. There is also a rail station in Waterford.”
Michael Goona
“I think the idea of a ferry across to Wales is a very good idea. In this age of environmental awareness it surely makes sense to use such transport and reduce road traffic. The only concern I would have is where would the traffic go once it left the ferry in Ilfracombe as the congestion through Braunton and Barnstaple is bad enough already.”
Lionel Murphy
“Ilfracombe car ferry to Ireland, brilliant idea. I hope it happens soon.”
Simon Fuller
“This survey should be put through every door in the area.
“If I can do anything on my web sites to help this campaign please let me know.”
Bob of Town Crier website promoting Ilfracombe
“We were so delighted to see that so much progress has been made towards establishing a ferry service to South Wales from North Devon. We are planning our visit to the UK from New Zealand and would find this ferry extremely useful, short circuiting the long journey via road or rail, thus more environmentally friendly.
“Hopefully this will have materialised by September 2007 and we look forward to using it then!
Frank and Cynthia Butt
“I can’t imagine anyone living and working in the North Devon area or anywhere in Devon for that matter who doesn’t wish for the ferry service to the Welsh and Irish ports to be in place and operational assoon as possible. The boost that is so necessary for these areas in trade tourism and even ideas cannot in my opinion be underestimated; the only fact that seems difficult to understand is why there is not a ferry service in place already.”
Chris Muckle
“I certainly think that the idea of regular ferry services across the Bristol Channel area could be an opportunity that needs to be seriously explored. Of course there are many variables such as car ferry or high speed craft or passenger ferry etc.
“Also would there be sufficient demand for routes and from where to where?
“But I certainly support exploring the idea further.
“Maybe I could help promote the idea via my,a href="http://www.transportbritain.co.uk">Transport Britain website? If you could give me some text to put about any aspirations for a Bristol Channel Ferry then I could consider a section on my website if you so wished. Would Ilfracombe be the only English port?
Alex Naughton, Transport Britain,,a href="http://www.transportbritain.co.uk">www.transportbritain.co.uk
“Three of my four grandparents were from Braunton but I was brought up and still live in Swansea. I have obviously strong links with North Devon and did a lot of sea miles on Campbell’s Steamers in my youth. I would love to see your project come to fruition. I know that there would be huge support for it in the Swansea area, but I have strong doubts as to whether it is commercially viable. I wish you the best of luck.”
William George Bradley
“Well done! The ecological benefits would be substantial in terms of reducing mileage and therefore fuel, tyre wear and time. I used to travel on business regularly from Penarth near Cardiff to North Devon - Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and down to Bude in Cornwall.
“Tourism would be attracted and so benefit both North Devon and South and West Wales.
“Please keep me informed of any positive ddevelopments for possible inclusion on our news page.”
Barrie Howell, www.celticocean.co.uk
“This is an amazing idea!”
Jon
“We would certainly consider using a link with Ireland. Living in Ireland with family in the West Country it would save several hours of car travel.”
Brian Finn
“This would be fantastic for all the reasons you have already explained on the website. From a personal perspective, the ferry would revolutionise the amount of time I am able to spend with my family all together. My sister lives in Devon and I live in West Wales. It would also make travelling easier for our elderly parents to visit us all in one place. Thank you for this campaign.”
J P Caldwell
“As a Swansea resident interested in economic regeneration I have followed the proposals for the new ferry service with interest.
“Whilst it is disappointing that it appears that a car ferry is not feasible at the present time, I nevertheless believe the proposed foot ferry could be economically beneficial to both Swansea an Ilfracombe, particularly so if it is able to accommodate bicycles. Cycle touring holidays are becoming increasingly popular and both Swansea and Ilfracombe are at the end of routes on the National cycle network. I am sure that the prospect of cycle touring holidays encompassing the West Country and South Wales would be attractive to many.”
Hugh Parsons
“Why no ferry between Barry and Ilfracombe? Maybe this could be ‘circular’ or ‘alternative’ destination port through the day.
“Also surely the way to get funding is to prove the CO2 emissions that would be saved. I know consultants who could help you with this.
“I look forward to seeing this much need service provided.”
David Buick
“I am in full support of this as i live in wales and my family live in north and south Devon.I think it great as my family have not see me and my family.”
John French-Auger
“Great idea. I hope this gets off the ground and becomes a reality. I would certainly use this service both to Wales and Ireland.”
Christine Pinnick, Braunton, North Devon
“We are interested in using the ferry to send staff as foot passengers once a week, by return ferry, to collect samples in a cool box for testing in our laboratory from our customer. This would be dependant on frequency during the day, cost and if there was a discount for frequent travellers. We would need to use the service all year around, not just in the summer.
“Additionally, we would be interested in using the service for car crossing to attend meetings.
“On a personal note I commute weekly from Taunton to Carmarthen. This could be a quicker and cheaper option if a car ferry is in operation.”
John Robinson, MTD
“Good on yer! I look forward to this happening.
Jonathan Bliss
“I would love to take more time in North Devon and the surrounding areas.
“I am taking my family to Woolacombe this weekend as it is one of the most beautiful areas within the UK if not the world.
“I rarely make this journey through work commitments and the obvious slog which I have to endure down the M5 on a Friday evening to get to my destination.
“If I can help or support this idea in any fashion then do not hesitate to contact me.”
Paul Jenkins
“The proposed Severn Barrage will unfortunately kill this project before it’s even started.
“The road and rail links which will cross the Severn from Brean to Penarth on top of the barrage will take so much trade it will undermine the ferry service.
“A great shame, because the ferry offers the much more sustainable option that will benefit Devon, Cornwall and west Wales much more.
“There are alternatives for harnessing the power of the Severn (tidal barrages) but these don’t offer the construction bonanza that appeals so much to proposers of the barrage.”
J Mellor
“I found your web page as we’re in Ireland, and looking for the best route to North Devon.
“Your suggested routes would definitely be most convenient, and logistically make the most sense.
“As it stands now we are trying to get to Devon, and are at a loss as to the best route/mode of transport to take, as we are hoping to collect a puppy around Christmas time. If you have any suggestions it would of course be most grateful.”
Barry and Marie Molloy
“We think this is a great plan. We have a small holiday accommodation business in North Cornwall and do get visitors from Ireland. This would make their journey so much quicker. It would benefit all south west tourism businesses.”
Sylvia and Laurence Henry
“The proposed Ilfracombe to Swansea Ferry would connect into the A361 at Ilfracombe. Proceed south to join the new Barnstaple Bypass and onwards to the Atlantic Highway (A39), the key northerly route in and out of North Devon and Cornwall.
“Naming the A39 the Atlantic Highway was my idea back in 1988, hence my oft used signature ‘The Atlantic Highwayman’!
“I regard the Ilfracombe to Swansea Ferry as an integral part of providing a substantial link between Devon, Cornwall and South Wales. The benefits in tourism revenue alone would surely be worth the investment to Wales and South West England (and possibly Ireland as well, as the ferry would provide a more direct route in and out of the West Country linking to Ireland). Transportation of commercial goods between these geographical areas would be greatly shortened and therefore the ferry would provide a cost effective and environmentally helpful method of transportation.
“I welcome the proposed Ilfracombe to Swansea Ferry link as it would provide a superb, common sense and environmentally friendly extension to the Atlantic Highway.”
Bryan Dudley Stamp, "The Atlantic Highwayman", Bude, Cornwall
“Chris Marrow has brought your website to my attention and I have found it very interesting indeed. Earlier this year I proposed a ferry link from Minehead to Swansea or Barry and got in touch with Chris who’d been discussing a similar project with Minehead and Ilfracombe councils. At the moment the West Country is a bit of land jutting out into the Atlantic going nowhere. Ferry links would bring it prosperity through trade and tourism. Opening up tourism and trade directly between the West Country, Wales and Ireland without the long and awkward journeys currently used would be a boon to our economy.
Ed Woods
“I live in Hartland and have been on holiday to Ireland a number of times and now that I have found relatives in Ireland will be travelling more often. The journey from here to Fishguard is long and tedious and eats into my holiday. A ferry service from Ilfracombe to Ireland would cut two days from my travelling time, time which can then be spent in the beautiful Irish countryside.
“This ferry would bring much needed tourism and trade to both the South West and Ireland. I am sure that it could also attract users from Dorset and possibly also from France. In the long term if a decent road was built to link the North Devon Link road with Ilfracombe it could be developed further to include freight traffic, however the roads within Ilfracombe itself may preclude this unless a new route to the harbour was also built.”
Nicolas G Beresford Blackhurst
“As a frequent visitor to Cornwall and living in Swansea, this would save much time and frustration.”
Clive Reid
“My interest in this project really stems from many years ago when it was first mooted that a marina could be developed in Ilfracombe if outside industry and developers could be persuaded to invest in a ferry service and harbourside accommodation. We all know how that turned out!
“I still think there is massive potential in the harbour area and even though I moor my yacht in the harbour and would expect to incur greater charges, the benefits to the town and local businesses are so overwhelmingly obvious it makes me wonder who is dragging their feet? Certainly the district council seem to regard Ilfracombe as some sleepy backwater that time has forgot and the answer is, at least in my opinion, to let the Harbour Association run the harbour as it sees fit and then we would see a new attitude to the wonderful jewel North Devon has buried away in Ilfracombe.”
Peter Small
“We think this would be a fantastic idea, it would making the trip to Wales for me so much easier, we hope this takes place as soon as possible. Fantastic good luck.”
Mrs Marie and Mr Robin Reynolds
“We live in Wales and have family in Devon. The ferry would save us a lot of time and stress getting to Devon. Can’t wait till its running.”
Jon Laker
“It would be alot better if it was a car ferry but I could get someone to pick me up. I think it would be a really beneficial project to the community and used a lot by myself.”
Kerrie
Comments as part of the survey questionnaire
“We desperately need this ferry. Please, please, please, keep up the good work.”
Adam Burton
“It would be a huge boost to Ilfracombe to have a ferry. I would use the ferry but more importantly it would open up travel to other members of the public including my family. In the past it has been difficult for them to get from the USA to my house in Ilfracombe. Some fly into Heathrow and then take the coach down, some have flown into Ireland then rented a car and driven to Ilfracome - a big pain. How fantastic if they, and others, could fly into Wales and then get on a ferry. It would open up this beautiful area of the country to many more visitors. As I understand it the ferry proposal has been sitting on the shelf for many years. Why doesn’t the council get a move on? I’ve never known a slower council.
“Good luck with your campaign.”
Fiona Patton
“What an ‘eco’ way of shortening a journey rather than having vehicles travel much further!”
Trevor Harnett
“This idea, if it were to go ahead, would be bound to bring badly needed additional financial benefit to North Devon.”
Chris Bollen
“I think that this is an excellent proposal and can’t wait for it to come to fruition. It can only benefit North Devon.”
Nicolas G B Blackhurst
“I am a member of a custom motorcycle club with many members in wales. We also use the Swansea Cork Ferries as well. The traffic would be in both directions.”
Paul Courtney, Chopper Club
“It’s long overdue to have a ferry to Cornwall. Having just driven to Helston at the weekend, a ferry would make me travel a lot more.”
Mike Bonurelli
“We own a guesthouse in Bude, and feel a ferry crossing to South Wales would help tourism in North Devon and North Cornwall since the Bristol area becomes a bigger traffic problem yearly.”
David and Christine Simmons, Palms Guesthouse
“It is important for this project to go ahead so Ilfracombe does not become isolated. Our hotels are being turned into flats so we need another source of finance coming into the town. It would save so many cars travelling on the road to get to Wales so would also help the green issue.”
Ed Mann
“I am a disabled person, and I am unable to drive a car, this service would be very helpful.”
David Wheeler
“Useful for the many students from North Devon that go to Swansea University.”
Anon
“I agree that having a car ferry to Swansea would open up North Devon as far as tourism is concerned which is needed. Ilfracombe desperately needs to have its burnt out hotels demolished and a good facelift generally for tourists to want to come back a second time. Having the connection to Swansea opens up many possibilites for easier travel for North Devon residents.”
Mrs J Chandler
“I think it is a wonderful idea. I have just moved to Hele Bay and my impression so far is that Ilfracombe desperately needs help, and from reading the local paper the residents have lots of suggestions. Something major such as the introduction of even one ferry route could kick start the regeneration of Ilfracombe.”
Julie Argyle
“Benefit would be enormous in terms of time saving on a trip to Penzance which I do about three times a year to visit family.”
Pamela John
“This would be an absolute godsend! We travel to Penzance about three times a year to visit family - a round trip of 500 miles and about 4½ hours driving each way. The cost of the ferry would probably be more than the cost of the petrol saved but the time saving would be incredible.”
Anthony John
“A ferry trip from Wales to Ilfracombe in the 1950s was how my grandmother and mother discovered Ilfracombe, leading to my family holidaying here in 1969 and eventually my wife and I moving to Ilfracombe in 2004.
“Ilfracombe was in the past, and continues to be, a wonderful place to live and a great holiday destination. The harbour here offers marvellous potential, which used to be used and which should be used again. Ilfracombe needs this ferry service - the demand is obvious.”
Robert Zarywacz
“I live in Ilfracombe, have close relatives in South Wales and like attending musical events in Cardiff and occasionally in West Wales, so would reckon to use a ferry for return trips about six times a year, about two of them with a car if the ferry took light vehicles.
“The absence of a ferry made me think that the financial projections that entrepreneurs have made, given the high operating costs of ships, harbour dues and the lack of a large centre of population in North Devon, were unfavourable. If this is in fact over-pessimistic based on experience in comparable locations elswhere in the world, that’s marvellous, and I would be very pleased if the idea became a reality.”
Hugh Bolton
“I strongly agree that a ferry would greatly improve economic development in North Devon in particular and Devon in general. This link would be a huge boost for Ilfracombe. I wish you luck!”
John Swan
“I’m originally from North Devon but living in Swansea and make the trip up to 3 times a week by road. I know loads of people who make the trip regularly... This would open up fantastic opportunities for commuting!”
Joanne Birbeck
“I would only use the passenger ferry to go to Swansea to shop. I would prefer a car ferry to visit relations in Ireland.”
Anon
“I’d use the ferry to visit my family in North Cornwall. It wouldn’t be much use if it didn’t take cars. North Devon is not renowned for it good public transport links.
“I might use a non-car ferry once or twice a year for a day out or catch the bus to Barnstaple. With a car ferry I would use it monthly.”
David Tucker
“My family lives in Co Waterford so it would be an ideal way of travelling and reducing my carbon footprint by using the ferries instead of driving all the way to Fishguard.”
Mick Whelan
“I think it would help both ports and also help keep cars off the main roads. Very useful for airports as well: Wouldn’t take a car at all.”
David Brewer
“I fully support the need for a frequent ferry service between Ilfracombe and Swansea, preferably a car ferry as planned. It offers many social, tourism, business and working opportunities and would be a great asset towards the harbour development and the financial viability of the proposed new Harbour Board.”
Lynda Courtnadge, Ilfracombe Town Council
“It would certainly make journeys to the South West far more enjoyable from Wales. If the ferry was fast it would improve journey times to Devon and Cornwall. I would certainly use it for both business and pleasure especially when travelling to the continent via Plymouth ferries or wanting to surf in Devon and Cornwall. It seems crazy to drive all that way to Ilfracombe when as the crow flies it’s not a long distance. I think it would also boost the economies of both Swansea and Ilfracombe.”
James Streater
“Shame it doesn’t already exist - good luck.”
Anon
“We would use it for weekend breaks on the Gower peninsula.”
Julian Tippett
“It would be advantageous for a ferry operating this service, or others suggested in your programme, to be able to accomodate caravans. I would imagine many people would take advantange of this link for accessing Devon, Wales and Ireland and the many excellent facilities for caravans in these areas.”
Mark Leason
“Please, please, please!!!”
Adam Lewis
“Its wot North Devon needs another option to get to the west country. It would generate work, more work, more money, more money, better facilites, better attractions, more interest, more investment. Ilfracombe is one of the doorways into North Devon let’s use it, and promote it.”
Steve Trebble
“I believe a ferry would add a great deal to the harbour and the town. Ilfracombe is stagnating and trying to live in thepast. it cannot keep this up if it wishes to remain a vibrant port. The people need to get off their rear ends and do something for the town.
“I’m trying with a web site and the response from around the world has been good and positive. Let’s get this ferry up and running”
Bob, Town Crier Website - personal site to promote the town
“I think it is a great idea - please do it!”
Anon
“I live in Llanelli South Wales but my husband works in Cornwall and he has to drive this journey every weekend. This ferry would be fantastic for us.”
Mrs K Davies
“I think this would be great as it would link in Devon to the Irish ferries in West Wales, which is where we live.”
Jane Hargrave
“Best of luck to you - a Swansea-Ilfracombe ferry would be great for tourism in both regions!”
Ken John
“We own a VW camper van and often travel down to Devon and Cornwall - so we would prefer a car ferry but beggars can’t be choosers! We have been wondering for years why we haven’t got a ferry link as it would make our journey much quicker (as you can imagine from Cardiff to Devon in a VW takes a while! Prettier and much more enjoyable - cutting out the major roads and being able to drop into all the small villages that we mostly pass by. Please, please, please can we have one - quickly!
“Thank you for letting us give our opinion as we are following this story daily.”
Kathy and Simon Davies
“I live in Pembrokeshire. Family in South Devon. I would use ferry link very enthusiastically, providing it linked in with good public transport in Devon - especially links with rail services down to Exeter.”
Rachel Oakes
“I live twenty miles north of Swansea. I love Devon but loathe driving all the way east on the M4 then all the way west again to get there. I do take my car to Ireland on the Fishguard-Rosslare ferry and would happily do the same from Swansea-Ilfracombe. I would particularly travel out of season (Feb-Mar and Sep-Oct) if available then, for 4 to 10 day holidays.”
John Latusek
“Think it is a great idea. However, I believe to start small and evolve, depending on the relative economies of scale would carry less risk than going for a large operation that could suffer seasonal fluctuations. Good luck!
“I’d use it to get to Totnes in South Devon to see friends.”
A Paddock
“I’d take a car if it were a car ferry. I'd still use it if it were a passenger-only ferry!
“I travel several times a year from Okehampton to Snowdonia (I’m a member of the Ffestiniog Railway Society), often by train but sometimes by car, and also visit Ireland from time to time. A ferry across to Wales would be useful to save the long drive or rail journey around via the Severn Bridge.”
Simon Artymiuk, Staff Member at Exeter Express & Echo
“I think this is a great idea that I hope sees the light of day. It would save time travelling between South Wales and Devon. The only downside would be the pricing. A single journey would have to compare with the cost of driving to make it attractive.”
Anthony Denatale
“I moved from North Devon to South Wales. As I am no longer able to drive I would love to be able to hop on a boat to go over. The train takes far too long.”
Pauline Heat
“A non-vehicle ferry would be of no use to me, as when I get to Swansea I would not be able to travel anywhere!”
Tim Bagnall
“I have been keeping an eye on the development of such proposals for a number of years now. Their coming to fruition would be especially welcome to me, as I travel from Swansea to Devon on a monthly basis to visit my elderly father. Three hours of motorway driving each way will hopefully be replaced with a far pleasanter experience in the not-too-distant future!”
Trevor Westay
“Firstly as the Swansea Cycling Officer the provision of a ferry service has been a strong desire for many years. As a cycle group member I have been to Devon on a trip and would do it more often if there is a ferry. There’s no mention of cycle carriage anywhere and if this was ensured it would provide an important boost to tourism.
“I think a question about using a ferry for taking cycles would be very useful.”
Rob Wachowski, City and County of Swansea
“It would cut our journey time in half.”
Anon
“Great plan. We holiday on the Scillies regularly and a ferry from Wales to Devon would add interest to the slog down to Penzance! We would also (hopefully) reduce our CO2 emissions!”
DV Jones
“I go to college in Swansea, and my partner and dog live in North Devon - it would be fantastic to be able to get the ferry over rather than driving all the way around.”
Linda Bucheli
“A brilliant idea. Hope sooner rather than later. I would hope the costs would be competitive.”
L Gifford, Air Southwest
“I think a ferry from Ilfracombe to Swansea would be useful to open up tourism, making it easier for people in the South West to visit Wales and Ireland, and could be useful for students at Swansea University that live in the South West.”
Ian Tregidgo
“Devon and Cornwall are water sports havens particularly surfing, there’s a huge untapped market particularly on the Irish - Cornwall routes.”
Anon
“Car ferry please, as I need use of disabled people carrier.”
Anon
“Please, please, please make a ferry route here. I promise to use it every week.”
Lucy Barrow
“Having a ferry link would substantially reduce my travel time to see my sister and her family whom we visit 3 or 4 times a year. It would increase the frequency with which we could visit: i.e. more bank holidays instead of longer holidays. I would also be able to go on shopping expeditions with my daughter as I love Barnstaple shopping! I’m sure my sister and family would regularly use the service too - to visit me!”
Louisa Zygadlo
“As long as the costs are reasonable, I think many people would use a car ferry. It would cut out the unpleasant four hour plus journey, not to mention the severn bridge toll fare. In my opinion a far more enjoyable way to travel between Swansea and Ilfracombe!”
Anon
“This development will only succeed if the road infrastructure is put in place such as dualling of the A386, linking into the A30. Otherwise I feel it would be a significant strain on the existing network, and therefore removing any time benefit created by the direct ferry journey.”
Stuart Toomey
“It would make so much difference in making it more possible to see my family as I am disabled and the road route is so tortuous.”
Anon
“I have family there so anyway to get there would be good.”
Marilyn Winterton
“It would make it far easier to get to Ireland and to visit Wales.”
Anon
“I need the link between Ilfracombe to have more contact and activities with my fairly large family.”
Anon
“I would still travel as a passenger only. My wife and I live half an hour from Ilfracombe this ferry would save a lot of pain for her as she is disabled. It would allow us to visit relatives who live just outside Swansea and vice versa.”
Paul Machin
“I am a disabled lady living in Great Torrington. I have family and friends in South Wales who I hardly ever see due to my not being able to cope with the lengthy drive up the motorway.
“The ferry from Ilfracombe would be so very good for me (as well as hundreds of other people I am sure) and I am very, very excited at the prospect of being able to use it as a regular form of transport. I really hope it comes about.”
Debra Phillips-Machin
“A ferry would be amazing. Lots of surfers and students would use it and older people could holiday in the South West and Wales.”
Amina Abu-shahba
“I used the Swansea-Cork Ferry 4 or 5 times a year for the past 5 years as my mother moved over to Cork and Swansea is only twenty minutes in the car from where I live. I now have to pay ridiculous amounts of money to fly over and it’s costing me a packet everytime. This ferry would be fantastic if it were to happen and as many others would agree there’d be plenty of passengers who would definately use it. Fingers crossed.”
Paula Osbourn
“My wife is from Llanelli and her sister and mother live there.”
Jon Chanter
“I live in Swansea, my friend in Yeovil. We visit each other 2 or 3 times a month by public transport. This would drastically cut travel times, and make it easier for us to visit as often as we pleased. Can't wait!”
Karen Acton
“Long overdue and necessary with today’s environmental problems.”
Chris Dale, Transport 2000
“I would consider this an option for completing work in Cardiff as I would not want to live in Cardiff.”
Anon
“I may use this service if it was foot passenger only but not as often. I think a car ferry from Swansea to Ilfracombe is a must, it would open up the whole of the South West. I think buisness will benefit greatly.”
Mark Ward
“I grew up in Woolacombe, North devon and always found it hard to visit people and places especially when I left for university. I have had to leave the area because there are not enough business oppotunities for me to find a job there. I think an Ilfracombe to Swansea ferry would open the region up to more tourism and more influences. It would no longer be a small corner of the peninsula but an easy way to journey between Plymouth and Exeter and Swansea and Cardiff.”
Anon
“Do it! I am from London and am buying a flat in Ilfracombe as it’s a great place but it is clearly suffering from a lack of infrastructure. It has so much going for it as a place but it could be so much more. Just look at the map! As a former student of Swansea university I can’t tell you how handy this would be to go see friends. I am investing some of my money in your town - you should too!”
John Tucker
“It would cut the mileage of the journey by more than half, it would be a relaxing trip joining two of the most beautiful parts of Britain. Who wouldn’t find it a useful service?”
Justine
“Good luck. I hope it becomes a reality.”
Christine Pinnick
“As pensioners, the ticket cost will be the biggest factor.”
Donald Whalley
“Long awaited, and environmentally it makes sense. Even if the ferry is just for foot passengers in the short term, if those people need to get to Devon they’re driving or taking other land transport all the way around the Severn Estuary. With a ferry it cuts out the distance, time, energy, fuel. Great idea.”
Anon
“As I am imminently moving to North Devon and my aged mother is in a care home in Swansea this ferry would prove invaluable to me. I could visit my mother once a week if the fare was not too expensive. I think this is a fantastic idea and I’m sure it would be good for tourism in North Devon. It’s a long haul from South Wales via the Severn bridge!”
Avril Caryer
“Think it’s a fantastic idea - especially with the development and investment going on in Wales and increasing disposable income that people could spend on holidays bringing investment both sides of the Bristol Channel. ‘Ilfracombe: Gateway to the South West’. Great to connect two of the best bits of the UK: Ilfracombe to Cardiff would be even better.”
Anon
“Great idea. As we live in North Cornwall and have family in South Wales, this would save so much in the way of carbon emmissions. It would also make it possible for the family to see each other more than twice a year as they would also visit us. It would also open up other areas for holidays and would generate revenue for both areas.”
Chris Pointer
“I’m at Swansea University and my family lives in Ilfracombe - we would all use the ferry service all year around for weekend visits.”
Erin
“It would enable me to keep in regular contact with family in North Wales. Especially my father who would be able to come here to Devon so much more easily by coach and ferry as he is now finding the drive too much.”
Mel Webber
“I travel from Merthyr Tydfil to Ilfracombe, most weekends, and also a lot of my family as we have a caravan down there. A lot of my family is doing this: just within my family and friends there are thirty or more going back and forth, with a lot of vehicles . If the price was good, I’d do it every time.”
Anon
“Such an obvious money-spinner, tourism made easy! Think of the benefits to the environment as well. This should have been in place since the Industrial Age.”
Neil Harris
“I have recently moved from Carmarthenshire to Plymouth. All my family and the majority of my friends still live in the area and so I travel backwards and forwards very reqularly for birthdays and social events. A ferry from Ilfracombe would make what is a seemingly endless drive much more appealing and I have to say that I would choose it rather than the Severn Bridge every time I travelled.”
Emerald McLoughlin
“A ferry from Ilfracombe to South Wales would be A-mazing! I can’t encourage this development enough. Please, please get this up and running (and not too expensive, if possible!)”
Gemma Stamp
“My sales region includes Devon, Cornwall and South Wales. I need to visit each branch once a fortnight. It is more likely that I would use the ferry from Wales to Devon but not certain. If there was an incentive through a return ticket then I would plan to use both directions. Return would have to be open for at least a month.”
Alistair Thomas
“My in-laws live in Plymouth and it’s a long drive to see them. A ferry would make it possible to see them for short weekends, or day trips. Is it likely to happen soon?”
Lora Alexander
“I really hope this goes ahead. We spend a lot of time in Devon and it takes ages driving round M4-M5 and A roads.”
Lisa
“I would take the ferry with my bicycle!”
Nicolas Deschatrettes
“Really useful link between the two coasts.”
Anon
“I think this would be a great idea and would benefit North Devon. I am Irish and would visit a lot more if I did not have that long drive across the Severn.
“As the improvements are going on at Ilfracombe there is every reason to push forward with the idea. Thanks for the site.”
Patrick Maye
“Would prefer to have ferry to Cardiff from Ilfracombe as I live in Cardiff and my boyfriend lives in Braunton so getting the ferry would avoid Barnstaple traffic delays (even with the new bridge!)”
Lara Weaver
“Hurry up and do it!”
Dave Hardy
“Hurry up!”
Sarah Letchford, The National Trust
“Yes Yes Yes!”
Anon
