'Inter-island ferry hope sunk by Guernsey'

Senator Lyndon Farnham has announced that it has not proved possible to save the trial passenger-only service for this summer having looked at options for the service after Guernsey pulled out.

Economic Development turned down the chance to underwrite the trial, despite being keen, after a meeting with Policy & Resources.

Senator Farnham said: 'After Guernsey confirmed that they were unable to identify funds to support their share of the possible underwrite for the trial, we continued discussions with Condor to see if there was any way of the trial going ahead this summer.

'Regrettably, this has proved impossible given the changed logistical and financial implications.'

It was hoped the service would boost tourism between the two islands.

Senator Farnham said that he was disappointed but remained determined to improve inter-island passenger links as they were important, not only for developing both islands' economies, but to maintain social and cultural links.

ECONOMIC Development has been urged to take Condor's offer of a trial day-trip service to the States to secure the funding to make it happen.

Despite being keen, it has turned down the chance to underwrite the trial after meeting Policy & Resources.

The States has money set aside which potentially could be used, including £5m. in the Future Guernsey Economic Fund.

If the committee were to change their minds, it could provide a last chance to salvage the trial, following the news that Jersey has also pulled out because it cannot afford to support it without Guernsey alongside.

Deputy Matt Fallaize said that a service for this summer was well within our grasp.

'It had the support of the operator and the States of Jersey, but the States of Guernsey refused to provide the necessary support. I find this beyond frustrating – it is an extremely foolish decision.

'My understanding is that this required only a very modest level of investment. This was a reasonable proposal which the States should have embraced.'