The opening of a new 248-berth marina at the foot of Caen Hill is an opportunity for the local business community, says MP Claire Perry.

The marina, at Lower Foxhangers on the Kennet and Avon Canal, could welcome as many as 1,000 visitors at a time – a significant increase on the number of tourists who come to the area each year.

Hundreds of people were at the site on Saturday for the opening by Mrs Perry.

They negotiated the narrow boardwalks between the berths and crowded onto a rough earth bank to witness the occasion.

Mrs Perry arrived on a boat belonging to Nicholas Armstrong, 22, of Beanacre, which drifted through the entrance from the canal.

She said: “What’s exciting is the size of the place.

“It’s fantastic for the local economy. It’s a real engine room for expansion in the area.

“The Kennet and Avon Canal is the jewel in the crown of my constituency and this facility will help make it a sustainable means of bringing revenue into the local economy.”

Mrs Perry suggested a Saturday morning market could be set up there, while Devizes town councillor Roger Giraud-Saunders said a bus link between the marina and the town centre was essential to make sure the town benefited from increased tourism through the centre.

Neil Warren, of Geomac, which developed the marina, said the opening marked the beginning of a new era.

He said: “We could have a population of 500 or more living here at any one time. We have already forged links with local parish councils and local shops.”

Jackie Bawden, chairman of Rowde village shop, less than half a mile from the marina, said they would be making deliveries to boaters at the marina and were looking into buying a small van to make deliveries.

Mr Armstrong’s unnamed boat was the first of a small flotilla welcomed to the marina.