MP praises Mercia Marina

THE South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler visited Mercia Marina recently as part of her drive to support local businesses during English Tourism Week.

Mrs Wheeler was fact-finding about the marina's recent successes in the tourism sector, including its holiday park conservation and the launch of a unique Water Adventure holiday package.

'Dual' holidays

The 74 acres marina's new 'dual' holiday package combines a break in one of its luxury holiday lodges with a break on a narrowboat operated by Boating Holiday Rentals. It is the first holiday of its kind to be offered in the UK.

The Conservative MP was also shown the marina's latest plans for an iconic gastro pub building and waterfront boutique shopping development by Michael Thornton,  one of the marina's owners, seen pictured together, with Mrs Wheeler commenting:

Largest marina

"When the idea was put forward to build the UK's largest inland marina here in South Derbyshire, I thought the idea was fantastic and have really enjoyed watching Mercia Marina develop and go from strength to strength over the past few years.

"I often stop by the marina when I am travelling to and from meetings and I always make a point of bringing my friends and family to see it, because it really is a spectacular site and it is right here on our door-step. It is a great success and I congratulate all involved in the project."

Willington

The marina, on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Willington,was opened in September 2008, with Robert Neff it's General Manager who remarked of the visit:

"We were delighted to welcome Heather Wheeler to the marina. It's fantastic that she chose to visit us during English Tourism Week.

"We have very keen ambitions to become a major centre for tourism within the next few years, and Mrs Wheeler's visit was a fabulous boost to our efforts."