THE arrival of the Norman Asturias to Poole looks set to bring a welcome boost to the local economy.

The LD Lines vessel features all the mod cons passengers would expect from a modern-day ship, too. All in all, the news that the ferry will transport its first passengers and freight to the Spanish port of Santander as early as next month is good. However, the service will need local people to back it.

Although the news reflects growing economic confidence across Europe, without the support of consumers, it could find itself in choppy waters.