Channel Bridge - again

[MissMoppet]

80% of the cars that use the Chunnel are Brits. Most of the lorries from us to them carry empty boxes. For reasons I don't understand the vast majority of small shareholders are French, who have received little reward and lost the perk of cheap travel some years ago. You work it out, or perhaps Clown Boris can.

[DerekS]

Another of Boris's Balmy Bridges. Will this one have trees too ? He's got bridges on his mind Poor chap .

[WillyHeckaslike]

Originally Posted by MissMoppet

For reasons I don't understand the vast majority of small shareholders are French, who have received little reward and lost the perk of cheap travel some years ago. You work it out, or perhaps Clown Boris can.

I think that most if not all of the British directors were dispensed with some years ago and majority control fell to the French after what some regard as a French coup. Plus maybe a breakdown and comparison of that majority re founding investors who took the greatest risk and speculative investors who pitched in later with little or no travel-perk rights when the price seemed cheap might also give some insight. Or possibly not, who knows.

In the original share offering to founding investors a qualifying investment for the travel perk was pitched at ~ £5500, a significant amount for many today but even more so in the 80s. That might seem generous now but it was not without risk at a time when some were still questioning the viability of the project, whether it was possible and once started if its completion would ever see the light of day. Of course, that perk which was used to suck in some of the early investors was subsequently reneged on and withdrawn and even worse, to quote one analyst some years after completion: “It’s a wonderful thing from which we’ve all benefited, apart from the people who paid for it to be built who lost substantially all their money.”

Completion was one year late and it cost twice the billions originally forecast. It was so dire at one time that interest payments could not be met on the debt let alone repay the debt itself. Huge debt right offs, share dilutions and changes to contracts agreements and promises were forced on to investors and contractors alike. To achieve that a financial gun in effect was held to their heads and when all is considered it is not surprising that many of them will feel that the Chunnel was built on a pack of lies and false promises.

[mileshawk56]

He is taking the P-ss? I hope!? Chris S. P.S. Yes he must be?

[Darcydog]

Hmmmm - the Architects do not seem that keen on the idea.

Alan Dunlop - architect and Professor at the University of Liverpool told the Times :-

“It would be simpler and cheaper to move France nearer to the U.K. “

[topman]

Beside the cost i don't see the point. The ferries aren't full nor the tunnel. Much better things to spend the money on.

[topman]

If he's desperate to build a bridge then one to the Isle of Wight would probably be a better idea. I'm sure that would get plenty of use.

[Darcydog]

Originally Posted by topman

If he's desperate to build a bridge then one to the Isle of Wight would probably be a better idea. I'm sure that would get plenty of use.

Most expensive stretch of water in the world so I understand!!

Used to do the trip from Lymington regularly - my wife is a caulk-head!

[Simondi]

Sorry to say I have decided to delete all the spam Brexit posts.

Back on topic guys.
Bridges , eh? Who needs them

[jackatesme]

Originally Posted by Simondi

Sorry to say I have decided to delete all the spam Brexit posts.

Back on topic guys.
Bridges , eh? Who needs them

The English when they come to visit WALES.
Have you noticed that you have to pay to come over to WALES,but i can visit England free.