AN initial feasibility study into whether imported sugar cane can be transported between Great Yarmouth and the British Sugar factory at Cantley by train or by boat should be completed by February.

AN initial feasibility study into whether imported sugar cane can be transported between Great Yarmouth and the British Sugar factory at Cantley by train or by boat should be completed by February.

The study is due to be commissioned by mid December after British Sugar was given the green light in April to build a �35m expansion to handle imported sugar cane arriving at Yarmouth's Outer Harbour.

Since July, the Cantley River and Rail Working Group has been examining if the rail or river option can replace the planned transport of sugar cane by lorry from Yarmouth to Cantley.

British Sugar has said that a fleet of 20 lorries would carry the sugar cane 12 hours day during the summer as part of plans to keep its Cantley site open all year round.

On Friday the Broads Authority is to discuss a working group report which states that an initial feasibility study by consultants on the alternative rail and river routes should be completed by February.

As part of the river transport plans the working group travelled by boat from Cantley to Yarmouth yacht station in August to see what problems would be posed by sugar cane carrying vessels.

The group noted there were constraints at Reedham's chain ferry and its railway bridge and one of Yarmouth's two road bridges.

British Sugar has also carried out a river transportation survey.

The Cantley River and Rail Working Group comprises members from the Broads Authority, Yarmouth Borough Council, Norfolk County Council, Yarmouth Port Authority and British Sugar.

Its report states: “Following completion of the initial feasibility study and depending on the outcome and recommendations, the group will consider how to take the project forward.”