AS A long since retired Merchant Navy Officer, I was most interested to read your article regarding the prospective future of the SS Freshspring.

That was until it was mentioned that a Heritage Lottery grant of some £3.5m was to be sought in order to complete the planned project.

I have to say that I had to wonder whether or not I was on the same planet when I read this.

My mind hearkens back to the remains of the Severn Princess lying on the banks of the River Wye, in Chepstow and her forlorn future.

Then again, the MV Balmoral, laid up for two years with the real possibility of being scrapped, when eventually – for a tenth of the sum being asked for the Freshspring – she is able to once again resume a regular service on the River Severn, weather permitting.

I agree that the Freshspring, suitably tied up can provide a mild tourist attraction but a ‘career opportunity’?

For young people who wish to embark upon a seafaring future there is ample information available through the Merchant Navy Training Board,

I fear that projects such as proposed for the Freshspring will be of little educational value.

– Unimpressed, St Briavels.