VISITORS to Agatha Christie's former holiday home on the banks of the River Dart will continue to be encouraged to arrive by 'green' transport, the National Trust has confirmed.

The crime writer's Greenway property has opened for several pre-booked events during the winter and new environmentally friendly methods of transport have been introduced.

Staff from the National Trust, which runs the property, recently met up with Carolyn Custerson, Torbay's tourism project manager, and Will Ford, owner of the Greenway Ferry Service, to discuss this year's visitor transport to the house.

Belinda Smith from the trust said: "Concerns have been expressed from the tourism industry and local communities on two different topics.

"The tourism industry is concerned that Greenway is inaccessible over the winter period, whereas communities are genuinely worried that full unrestricted winter opening of the property during the winter will result in further traffic to local villages."

Robyn Brown, the trust's property manager, was keen to reassure both sides, saying: "Travel by green ways to Greenway remains our priority to ease pressure on congested lanes.

"Greenway officially closes on October 31. However, pre-booked winter events at Greenway are planned up until the Christmas period of 2010.

"I am keen to stress these events are not open to general visitors to Greenway but are limited to pre-booked guests."

Mr Ford has expanded the green travel options to the property, in conjunction with the National Trust.

He said: "This year will see the introduction of a new service from Totnes via ferry and the implementation of our newly-restored 1940s vintage bus which operates exclusive services with the National Trust from Torquay viewing part of the Agatha Christie Mile before stopping at Greenway.

"This new service will be launched in the spring and will include a route incorporating Brixham Park and Ride with special winter services from Torquay to Greenway connecting the English Riviera to Greenway for special winter events."

Mrs Custerson said the Agatha Christie brand is crucial to the English Riviera tourism industry.

She added: "I am delighted the English Riviera will be able to promote winter events at National Trust Properties via green transport.

"This is of huge benefit to the accommodation providers and will certainly help the increased all year round awareness and opportunities to promote the Agatha Christie brand."