Get on board the surf bus

Water sports enthusiasts whose bulky equipment means they’re unable to catch a bus to the beach, could soon have a service all of their own.

North Devon+ is putting forward a new initiative to create a ‘surf bus’ that would allow people with watersports equipment, such as surf boards, to use public transport.

An online survey has now been set up on the North Devon Council website to find out if introducing such a service would be a good idea. Go to www.northdevon.gov.uk on the home page, in the ‘have your say’ section.

Isabelle Bromham, North Devon’s Coastal Watersports Officer from North Devon+, says: “North Devon prides itself on the quality of the environment it has to offer and watersports play a major part in the reason why people live or visit the area. In fact, a recent study shows that watersports bring £80 million to the local economy, but transport facilities and secured storage facilities do not reflect that.

“The Surf Bus Initiative is about giving people an alternative to car usage, reducing Co2 emission, providing better access to the beach for people who do not own a car but would like to take part in watersports activities, using their own equipment.”

Local people and visitors are being urged to go online before 30th January 2010 to put forward their views on the plans.