A HOVERCRAFT link between Rhyl and Merseyside could be up and running by next year.

Chris Ruane, MP for the Vale of Clwyd, said plans were “a goer” following a meeting with Simon Clitheroe, director of Hoverlink, Assembly members and Denbighshire County Council officers.

Mr Ruane said: “It was a very positive meeting. The plans seem totally feasible and workable and regarding time scale, we are looking at early next year.

“The service could make 24 journeys a day and will appeal to commuters, school and pensioners trips. It could be absolutely massive – transporting about 2,000 people a day.

“We are also looking at providing a link with Liverpool Airport.”

Mr Ruane expressed an interest in reviving the passenger service after making a speech in the House of Commons last year.

“An excellent working dialogue has been established between Hoverlink and Rhyl representatives. We believe whole heartedly that bringing this unique service to Rhyl and Llandudno will allow fast access to and from Merseyside and North Wales.
The new service will provide links between Rhyl, Llandudno, Liverpool, Wirral, Southport and Blackpool.

For more information, search for Hoverlink on Facebook or Twitter.

Within three days of his speech, he had been approached by three separate hovercraft companies.

In 1962, Rhyl was the first in the world to offer a hovercraft passenger service that journeyed to the Wirral. The service only operated briefly after the craft was wrecked in a storm.

Mr Clitheroe said that his company “could not wait” to land the first hovercraft in over 50 years on the beach of Rhyl.

He said: “The planning stage of our proposal has now been completed and we are swiftly moving into the investment stage of the process - our first service is still on track for 2015 start.