ELY marina boss Jeremy Tyrrell has a 10-year vision for Roswell Lakes, which could allow him to considerably expand his business. But Mr Tyrrell, who runs Jalsea Marine with his brother Michael, assured members of the city s Sailing Club and the Beet Club

ELY marina boss Jeremy Tyrrell has a 10-year vision for Roswell Lakes, which could allow him to considerably expand his business.

But Mr Tyrrell, who runs Jalsea Marine with his brother Michael, assured members of the city's Sailing Club and the Beet Club, which has fishing rights on the water, that there was "enough room for everyone" if they worked together.

"The pits were an unexpected opportunity which we have been able to secure for a business which is committed to Ely and water-borne activities," he said. "Six months ago, when we bought the marina, we did not expect to be going into anything else.

"Gazing into a hypothetical crystal ball we might see an integration of sports - sailing, fishing, rowing with moorings and the necessary support, safety and environmental facilities.

"Cathedral Marina is the crown jewels of marinas in the whole area but space is limited and we can't offer all the things customers want.

"We can't lift 10 tons or 40 feet boats, provide widebeam moorings or bankside moorings and dogs and walking facilities are limited. We see Roswell Pits being able to cater better for the different types of boats and their needs.

"We are looking forward to talks with the council to try to set an overall framework for the next 10 years with which to develop an integrated, coherent set of detailed plans to be implemented in phases."

Mr Tyrrell believes narrow boats could use the lake and views next year's Inland Waterways Association river festival on the Great Ouse at St Ives as an opportunity for his business.

The festival is expected to attract about 30,000 people and up to 500 visiting boats over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

"I don't see the lakes as being Ely marina, I see it as being different to it and complementing it," he added. "Whatever you do on the water impacts on what is done on the shore. But I doubt the plans will include restaurants and bars.

"I saw it as an opportunity not to be missed but we have been very much supported by our bankers, Allied Irish."

Mr Tyrrell, whose company also owns a shipyard in Cheshire, told marine moorers in the first edition of the Cathedral Marina newsletter that he would be spending much more time in Cambridgeshire, in the main focusing on Roswell Lakes.

Ely Sailing Club has sole navigation rights on the lake and members feared that when the Thomas Parsons Charity put the land up for sale they would be fighting to stay.

But Mr Tyrrell, who bought Cathedral Marina six months ago and now employs seven staff, said: "There is room for everyone there if they are prepared to work together.