TOM Sandham, owner of the Handsam Boat Company welcomed plans for a water taxi but said promoting the service would be crucial.

"It would be a great idea to link the Country Park, which attracts so many visitors, to the river," said the owner of the Handsam Too vessel.

"I work on the lower Avon at the moment, which is Evesham and downstream, and it would be great to see the river opened up upstream because that stretch has a lot to offer.

Established

"It might take a long time to get established, but if the sign posting is right and the people are there it could work very well."

The Handsam Too can carry 55 passengers and Mr Sandham has been working the river for 16 years.

ALL Aboard Charters and Training are another company who have been approached about participating in the proposed water taxi service.

Although welcoming the principle, owner Barry Baldelli sounded a cautious note about the plans.

"I'm aware the upper Avon is grossly under-explored and under-utilised," he said. "I think the idea is sound in the sense that it offers those people at the Country Park an alternative and interesting route to get into the town. It would certainly make sense.

Investment

"What we have to think about is the considerable capital investment required to provide a craft suitable for around a dozen passengers and the potential market that exists.

"With the river in spate for much of May we would have been unable to offer a safe service and that means a lot of downtime.

"It is all about bums on seats and volume."