The ferry - which ran aground a fortnight ago - is expected to set sail next week. And it couldn't come soon enough for residents living on the Promenade who have had to contend with bustling crowds on their doorsteps.

Steven Wilkinson, of South Promenade, has got a great view of the Riverdance from his living room window. But he says the road has become a "nightmare" with people travelling far and wide to see the famous ferry.

He said: "It's really busy. When it first happened it took me 45 minutes to get down the road to get home. The parking is a nightmare too.

PM meets Riverdance heroes

"It'll be worse this week with half term. You can't blame people for coming to see the ferry though. It's a one off and their kids want to see it."

Patricia Wilson, of South Promenade, said: "It is worse along the Prom at the moment. There are lots of people walking past the apartments to see the Riverdance. It's as busy as during the summer months."

Sightseers say they are finding it difficult to park in the small seaside town.

Clarice Dale, 76, of The Strand, Fleetwood, said: "I've come every day to see the ferry. It's jolly good to see so many people here. But there are a lot of cars. People living here know where to go for parking spaces, but visitors wouldn't know where to park. There aren't enough spaces."

Barbara Stephenson, 68, from Rossall, said: "I've never seen so many people, especially at the weekends. It'll be busy next week with the school holidays."

Gary Lakin, 54, has driven all the way from Bolton to show partner Susan Jones and her four-year-old daughter Hannah the new tourist attraction.

He said: "I've been to Cleveleys before and it seems busier now. It's generated a lot more tourism. We've seen the ferry on the news but we wanted to see it for ourselves."

With the increased tourism, shops and cafes in the area will be sad to see the ferry go.

Ann Wilkinson, owner of The Eating House on Victoria Road, Cleveleys, said: "Our business has doubled. The longer it's here, the better it is for us. It's been great for business, you don't need to advertise the area - just put a boat on the beach!

"With the half term holiday next week we're expecting more visitors. Parents will bring their children to see the boat."