PLANS by Euroferries to start a new high-speed ferry service from Dover to Calais and Boulogne are still going ahead.

That's the assurance from the company which has dismissed as "rumour-mongering" reports that the deal to buy the catamaran Spirit of Ontario from the City of Rochester in New York is "dead".

Denville Reed, Euroferries' commercial director, said: "There appear to be certain rumour-mongers who seem to wish the service not to commence to the detriment of the local area.

"Euroferries are in constant contact with the City of Rochester counsel regarding the vessel. We are also presently closing negotiations with various parties regarding the operating of the service between Dover, Boulogne and Calais.

"Euroferries have made significant cash investment into the project and look to the goodwill of the local area to promote this important service to provide a new fast-ferry service to complement the important port of Dover and its expansion as the largest port in the UK."

The company said services to Calais would take 29 minutes and 39 minutes to Boulogne.