River boat sets sail for town tourists

A river boat is to take tourists along a stretch of the River Severn in Shropshire for the first time in five years.

The boat, which is being named Hafren, is expected to start operating just before Easter.

The craft was being transported to Ironbridge, where it will be based, on Monday before being carefully lowered into the River Severn by a crane.

A company called Ironbridge Scenic River Cruises will be operating the boat taking passengers on a 45-minute trip from a landing stage behind the Museum of the Gorge car park, up to Buildwas Bridge and past the Iron Bridge before returning.

The firm used to have a boat on the river about five years ago.

The 13-tonne boat will be running seven- days-a-week from about 10am, but is dependent on whether the river is deep enough on a particular day.

Roger Bell, manager of the boat, said of the 55ft craft: "We don't think there has been a boat as big on the river for 100 years."

He said: "We are looking forward to getting it going. We have worked hard on it and we want the public to back us."

There will be wheelchair access on the boat, which can carry up to 50 passengers.