#PortofLarne - Providers of accommodation in Larne, Co. Antrim according to The Newsletter, are fearing for their future due to plummeting visitor numbers, following the loss of the Troon ferry route.

The loss-making Irish Sea route, which traditionally ran from March to October, was officially scrapped by operators P&O Ferries in January.

And with the tourist season now in full swing, a number of Larne businesses are beginning to feel the inevitable fallout of the route’s withdrawal – with some guesthouses reporting that visitor numbers have halved.

The Larne Times spoke to several guesthouse operators in the town, who all confirmed they have experienced a substantial drop in business in recent weeks.

Ivy Chalmers of Derrin Guest House revealed that bookings over the past month have shrunk by about 40 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The newspaper has more, click here.

Afloat adds that P&O Ferries continue to operate the Larne-Cairnryan route which is operated year round by a pair of ropax ferries.