A FERRY linking Somerset with Cardiff could be in line for local government cash – as long as the businessman behind the scheme can prove it will go ahead.

The proposed route from Burnham to South Wales has been put forward once more by Chris Marrow.

He hopes to launch the service in the near future, with trials expected to start later this year, through a newly-formed community interest company, South and West Coastal Projects.

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council is considering providing up to �2,500 towards the project through government grants - but only if certain assurances are met.

Previous talk and attempts to introduce a ferry service put forward by a variety of businesses have yielded little and so the town council is refusing to financially support the venture without firmer assurances as to its feasibility.

Councillor Chris Williams said the council had asked Mr Marrow to get backing from Sedgemoor District Council and the Somerset Tourism Association before returning with more detailed plans.

He said: “Mr Marrow did first speak with us 18 months ago but it’s so long ago that we thought we had better have an update.

“I have got a number of councillors who are sceptical, but the ball is in his court.“

He said he did not know how long it will be until more details would be known about the scheme as it is up to Mr Marrow to make the next move.

But he admitted if it did go ahead, he thought it would prove more popular with passengers from this side of the River Severn, than those living in Cardiff.