Herm disabled access 'not ideal'

Disabled access to Herm is far from ideal, the island's current manager has admitted.

Adrian Heyworth said he regretted that he and his staff did not have the resources to provide the facilities that "perhaps there ought to be".

However, wheelchair access upon arrival on the island is to be improved with the use of a new pontoon.

At the moment, ferry staff carry passengers with mobility problems on and off the boat.

A temporary berth, which is currently used by cruise ship passengers, is to be upgraded with a new pontoon to make it easier for wheelchair users to get on and off the island.

Steve Lowe, skipper of the local ferry, said: "It will help with the disabled, but at low water the ramp becomes very steep, so you have to be careful."

Mr Heyworth and his wife Penny are due to give up their tenancy of Herm after putting the lease of the island up for sale at a guide price of £15m.

The name of the new tenant is expected to be announced soon.

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