Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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MP Calls for Transmanche to bolster Newhaven-Dieppe ferry
Newhaven’s MP Norman Baker has called on Transmanche, and the French regional government that owns it, to take urgent steps to improve the marketing of the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry service.
The call came at a meeting between Mr Baker and M Denis Bellenger, representing the Conseil General de Seine Maritime. This meeting was also attended by Newhaven’s county councillor David Rogers, and followed the recent decision of Hoverspeed to withdraw the fast ferry from the crossing.
M Bellenger confirmed that orders for two new boats have been placed, with one already under construction and expected to be in service for next spring, with the other to follow in October 2006. These boats could allow the crossing time for the traditional ferry to be cut from four to three hours, so partly offsetting the loss of the Seacat.
But Norman Baker said measures needed to be taken now to ensure this summer’s season was successful, and to prevent escalating losses on the line.
He said: "We need a viable, reliable and passenger-friendly ferry service between Newhaven and Dieppe. That means getting the passenger experience right, but it also means marketing the service properly. Frankly, information about Transmanche services has been almost invisible, and difficult to obtain even if you actively look for it. The service also needs to provide through tickets, for example to Paris or to Euro-Disney, something Hoverspeed offered."
"The service is losing a lot of money at the moment and I am keen that steps are taken to limit the losses which, if they continue, will ultimately threaten the continuation of the line. David and I have offered to help in any way we can, as has Lewes District Council."
David Rogers said: "Newhaven’s historical place is as the harbour providing the most direct link with Dieppe and northern France, on the shortest route from London to Paris. That is as true today as it has always been, and local residents want to keep it that way. With two ferries running again from this week, every effort must be made to have a successful summer."
The meeting also discussed ways in which port development at Newhaven could be brought forward and essential works thus funded.