£2 MILLION FOR MAJOR RENOVATION OF QUAYS ON THE ISLES OF SCILLY

Karen Buck, Minister for Local Transport, today announced £2.01 million in funding for a major renovation of six quays on the Isles of Scilly.

The quays are on the islands of St Martin's, St Agnes, Bryher and Tresco. They are used by the small ferryboats that connect these islands with the main island of St Mary's. The work will involve major repairs to the Victorian quays as well as widening and lengthening of the quays to improve safety. It will also provide new seawalls, separate freight handling and passenger embarkation areas, shelters for waiting passengers and facilities for the disabled.

Karen Buck said:

"This is good news for the Isles of Scilly. Ferries are the buses and trucks of the islands, and this scheme will provide both operators and passengers with better facilities.

"Local people will see other benefits as the works will enable an improved ferry service to be provided, not only for tourism and agriculture, but also for all the everyday services that islanders rely upon".

The Department for Transport contributed to this scheme along with the Duchy of Cornwall and the Tresco Estate.