New owners have plans for river boat

The new owners of Shrewsbury's Sabrina river boat today outlined plans to extend the service, including operating a ferry service to and from major events in the town.

The boat, which is moored on the River Severn alongside Victoria Quay, was operated by the Chester Boat Company until it was put up for sale as a going concern. It has been bought by businessmen Andrew Flavell and Dilwyn Jones, from Shrewsbury.

The pair said they plan to renovate the boat and then operate it year round instead of just during the summer months.

Plans in the pipeline include a ferry service to the West Mid Showground for the Shrewsbury Folk Festival and the new look Shropshire Show as well as offering educational tours for schoolchildren.

Mr Jones said: "Running a boat is completely new to us. We've both got leisure and hospitality experience but nothing like this. It's very exciting."

Discount

Mr Jones said they were hoping to get more Shropshire residents to use the service by offering a discount to people from the county and to families.

Other ideas include linking up with coach touring companies to offer holiday packages and working with the town's Theatre Severn to do combined boat tour and show packages.

"In the summer we will be running daily cruises for tourists but we'd like to get local people on the river as well. We're making the boat available for private hire and have organised a number of theme nights. People are booking it for everything from birthdays to work do's," he said.

He added they were also looking at moving into the educational market by offering tours to schools.

The new daytime time-table will run seven days a week with night-time events also taking place throughout the year. Mr Jones said they would also refurbish the boat and install a new sound system and retractable roof.

He said: "We're also planning on holding events to raise money for local charities and have linked up with another company that arranges hen parties."

To find out about the new services e-mail info@sabrinatours.co.uk or go to www.shrewsburyboat.co.uk

By Emma Kasprzak