THE reviving French port of Boulogne is seeking renewed ferry links with Folkestone.

Boulogne is investing heavily in two new berths that will accommodate jumbo ferries and Folkestone is one of the destinations port chiefs are anxious to see back on the timetable.

The last surviving link between Folkestone and Boulogne – provided by a Hoverspeed fast craft – ended several years ago.

While SpeedFerries, the new Dover-Boulogne carrier, has given a welcome boost to local trade, the town has always hoped for a return of the Folkestone link.

Roger De Haan, the new owner of Folkestone Harbour, has held preliminary talks with president of Boulogne Chamber of Commerce and Industry Francis Leroy about the possibility of a new ferry service.

Mr Leroy said: "I think Mr De Haan is interested in a new link between Folkestone and Boulogne. We are ready to accept traffic from both both Folkestone and Dover."

The attractive French fishing port is investing millions of euro in two new berths to accommodate jumbo ferries as part of a major redevelopment of the old port. These are due to be ready by the end of 2006.

While these are mainly aimed at the freight market, there is no doubt that Boulogne would like to capture some of the passenger business lost to its bigger rival, Calais.

If the new facilities had been ready now, Boulogne would have proved an alternative destination during the long-term disruption caused by a defective berth at Calais.

Whilst Mr Leroy plays down any thought that it wants to compete with Calais, he is nonetheless keen to point out that Boulogne is less prone to industrial action than its northern neighbour. He is not against strikes, but clearly believes they are harming the image of France across the Channel.

"We think it is necessary to strike when it is important but not every week. It’s more a political strike against the Government."

He says that ferry operators have already expressed interest in Boulogne but he is not looking to the existing players. "We want a new company with a new concept."

He says that SpeedFerries, which fully meets those criteria, has made a huge difference to the town and the psychology of people living in Boulogne. He is convinced that it has helped the town’s renaissance.

He said: "We are very enthusiastic. For the shops in Boulogne, trade figures have increased." Trade from Kent and other British customers is up by and estimated 15 per cent.

Boulogne, widely regarded as a more interesting town than Calais, is likely to attract more passengers in September with the opening of the motorway extension into the port.

Mr Leroy, who has been president for 10 years and is a canny and respected figure in the Boulonnais community, is confident that people will still want to stop in the town rather than rush off to the South.

The port is also about to welcome a new freight service between Oslo, Norway, and Vigo, Spain. It is part of the BGV – Bateau a Grande Vitesse – Europe-wide scheme to take lorries off the roads.

Mr Leroy is bullish about Boulogne’s future and he had this message for Kent travellers: "You are welcome in Boulogne. We need to reinforce the links between Kent and Boulogne. We must join in many projects. Why not a school or university with students studying on both sides of the Channel, relationships with shopkeepers?"

And his message to French people? "We would like to see more travelling to Kent."