Published: Thursday, 21st February, 2008 9:35am

Disappointment over hovercraft decision

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TRANSPORT partnership SEStran says it is 'disappointed' at the decision to halt work on the proposed cross-Forth hovercraft service.

The organisation – a partnership of councils on either side of the Forth – is now calling for an 'urgent' meeting with Stagecoach, who decided to put the plan on hold until it receives clarification over future public-sector involvement and financial backing.

Having backed the trial service with £92,000 of public funding, SEStran say they were encouraged by its success, and by Stagecoach"s 24th October announcement that 'a clear business case exists for establishing a permanent hovercraft service between Kirkcaldy and Leith'.

SEStran"s chair, Councillor Russell Imrie, said, 'When SEStran met Stagecoach, we expressed our support for the project, but both parties recognised that much more work needed to be done on the business plan, before any commitment for public funding could be made.

'Stagecoach agreed to develop the plan further and we are surprised at this sudden turn of events.

'SEStran supports the scheme in principle but we must be confident that a solid business case exists. The scheme will also be subject to a STAG evaluation to ensure that it warrants becoming a priority for public spending. In the meantime, we have commissioned legal advice exploring ways in which the project could be supported and procured without breaching EU rules'.

Mr Imrie added, 'Stagecoach deserve praise for their initiative in carrying out the trial service. This is precisely the kind of innovative thinking needed to ensure that the south east of Scotland develops an integrated transportation system, fit for the 21st century.

'We will be seeking an early meeting with Stagecoach to explore ways forward for this project.'