THE isolated island community of Lindisfarne in Northumberland could soon be plugged into the mainland, if a North-East entrepreneur has his way.

Local businessman Kerry Noble has whipped up a storm after unveiling plans to run a hovercraft ferry service to the island.

For more than a thousand years, Holy Island has enjoyed a reputation for tranquility. Twice a day, its 135 residents are totally cut off, as the North Sea tide rises over the thin, three-mile causeway that joins them to the rest of the world.

Mr Noble, 56, an outdoor pursuits specialist, wants to run a £95,000 Griffon hovercraft from his home in Belford, capable of carrying up to six passengers at a time.

It has met with mixed reactions from islanders. Sue Massey, who runs the Lindisfarne Hotel and is chairman of the parish council, said: "I cannot comment on behalf of the rest of the island, but I can't say that I would use it.

"It is quite important that we have these quiet times. A lot of people that come here to stay are attracted by the island's tranquility. That is the beauty of the place.

"In the hotel, we get a rush of people for half a day and then for the other half, we can get on with the washing up."

But she welcomed the idea that the craft could work as a "fourth emergency service" for minor cases, rather than having to call for the air ambulance or a lifeboat to take someone to hospital.

Mr Noble, 56, thinks that residents' fears were unfounded. "It is powered by two 1.9 litre engines, so it is only as noisy as two cars crossing the causeway," he said.

"It is a craft that doesn't do any damage to the environment. Tests have proved that you could drive it over a bird's nest and it wouldn't even break an egg shell."

The islanders gather to discuss the issue at a meeting of the parish council later this month.

* Mr Noble's plan has apparently nothing to do with recent fears that the causeway may be disappearing.

For the past three years it has retained a shallow covering of water, even when the tide has gone out.

Northumberland County Council last month gained permission from English Nature, which is responsible for the causeway's conservation, to install temporary drains.

The problem is thought to have been caused by west winds blowing sand towards the island and making the land uneven.