A UNIVERSITY has launched a new study about a ship which has sat idle in the Dee for more than 30 years.

Liverpool John Moores University is investigating public attitudes to the former Heysham-Belfast ferry.

They are seeking local people’s views of the one-time ‘fun ship’ which has become part of the Flintshire landscape since it arrived in Llanerch-y-Mor in the summer of 1979.

Dr Hazel Andrews, a social scientist at LJMU said: “It’s a rather odd landmark, and maybe one of those things that you either love or hate.

“The fact that it’s been here so long and had such a chequered history makes it something of an alternative tourist attraction.”

The 1,200 passenger hulk has alternatively been a nightclub venue, casino/arcade, urban explorer base and wedding venue – the Guardian even described it as a “graffiti art ship” when a local collective wanted to open an art gallery on board in 2013.

“People have all sorts of experiences and memories of her, and we’d like people to share their thoughts with us if they would,” added Dr Andrews, who specialises in links between identity, place and tourism.

If you are willing to share your views and anecdotes on the ship for this research, please contact h.j.andrews@ljmu.ac.uk