On Air The Folk Show John Barker | 9:00pm - 10:00pm

Steam Packet issues Fleetwood response

No chance of route being opened

The Steam Packet says an alternative sea route between the Isle of Man and Fleetwood will not be considered.

It comes after a campaign page calling for the destination to be used received almost 11,000 'likes'.

A similar route has been used in the past - however the Packet says it ended for good reasons, all of which remain valid.

In a statement, the Steam Packet claims none of its current vessels could operate the route safely due to the heavy silting of the port approaches and berths.

Timetabling issues, tidal constraints and a lack of suitable passenger and vehicle facilities were also given as reasons why Fleetwood was not a good destination.

Independent research from the Packet suggests both Liverpool and Heysham remain the most popular routes for passengers.

The Department of Infrastructure is due to put forward a report on the future of Liverpool services for debate at this month's sitting of Tynwald.

More from Isle of Man News