The idea – for pleasure trips around the six acres of water – has been launched by Diss mother Zoe Denham.

And if there is plain sailing for her plan, she will have a 12-seater, electric powered open boat in operation by Easter, giving 15-minute trips with full commentary around the Mere.

Ms Denham is trying to collect enough support to convince Diss Town Council that the ferry would be welcomed.

"The Mere is not used as a major attraction but there is a history of having boats there before and I think it could be revisited again," she said.

Ms Denham already has experience of running a ferry. She and her ex-partner set up the Big Dog Ferry at Beccles along the River Waveney to Geldeston.

"It has proved to be a huge success and is looking forward to its third season this year," she declares in forms she is circulating to sound out opinions.

Ms Denham, a mother of two who has lived in Diss for ten years, argues that the ferry would be a unique, affordable attraction which would bring visitors to Diss, she says. The electric engine would be silent, cause little wake and the ferry would complement Diss' Cittaslow ambitions.

"It would not interfere with any of the properties around the Mere or their privacy," she said.

Ms Denham has a 19ft boat ready to use, all passengers would wear lifejackets and she says would have all the required public liability insurance in place before the service started.

If the council agrees, she plans to use the landing stage at the Mere's Mouth as a boarding point.

And, she added, it would be a new amenity provided at no cost to the town.

Diss mayor Simon Olander said town councillors will consider her ideas in March. He could not anticipate their views but the council policy on the use of the Mere permitted boating, he said.

However, one body against the plan is the Diss and District Angling Club.

Chairman Stewart McLean said: "Undoubtedly there would be a conflict of interest between anglers and boats. As such, we could not support such a proposal if we were asked."

What do you think? Add your comments below or write and let us know – Ferry 'Cross The Mere, Diss Express, Mere Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AE or email editorial@dissexpress.co.uk

M. Willan, via email: "What a great idea - I will back Zoe all the way. I used to charter boats and the pleasure people experienced from seeing the land from a completely different perspective was a reward in itself. After 28 years in Diss I have never seen one fisherman on the Mere's banks."

Maggie, via email: "The Mere is a special open quiet place totally unique unspoilt full of fish and a huge variety of birds and ducks. I totally object to turning it into a recreation ground polluting it with diesel and disturbing nature. Once one boat is introduced there will be more! The Norfolk Boards have been ruined by boats,take your boat somewhere else. We need exercise what's wrong with walking round to the other side!"

Frank, via email: "What a fantastic idea. Anything that will bring more visitors to Diss must be good for the town's trade. Electric boats will ensure there's no pollution and if the Broads can work well for anglers and boats alongside each other, I'm sure the Mere can too. The mere is the jewel in Diss' crown, we just need to tell more people about it!"

Valerie Clarke, Coney Weston: "A ferry on the Mere, is a great idea. A boardwalk round the water's edge is another. The fishermen can surely fish when the boat is not running -or even when it is."