At risk ferry crossing's short term future secured

The short-term future of an 180-year-old river ferry crossing has been secured after a last minute agreement on the day the service was due to end, a council has revealed.

Wyre Council had said the Fleetwood-Knott End ferry service, which connects the two towns either side of the River Wyre estuary and carries up to 35 people, was due to have its final crossing earlier as no "compliant tenders" to run it had been received.

However, the authority has since said it was "pleased to announce that a way forward has been agreed" to allow the ferry service to continue "following constructive discussions with the current operator".

The service has been running since the 1840s.

It said: "The council has been working intensively over an extended period to explore all realistic and deliverable options to protect this vital service for local communities.

"These discussions have now resulted in an agreed approach that will provide short term certainty for residents, businesses and visitors while further work continues on longer term arrangements."

The council added it "recognises the ferry's importance as both a transport link and a valued part of the area's identity".

"Work will now continue with partners to develop a sustainable long term solution, and further updates will be shared as discussions progress."

The Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry operators Wyre Marine Services Ltd posted on their Facebook account: "Following constructive discussions with Wyre Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, it was jointly agreed that the ferry service would continue operating on an interim basis for the benefit of the public while longer term arrangements are progressed."

It added: "Talks have been positive, and discussions are now underway towards agreeing a new three year contract."

Reacting to the authority's Facebook post announcing the end of the service last week, some people described the ferry as a "national treasure", the loss of which would be "devastating" to the local economy.

There has been a three-year campaign to save the ferry, which campaigners described as a "vital service" and a "solid piece of heritage".

By car, the journey of about 11 miles - which requires driving south and taking the Shard Bridge - takes about 25 minutes.

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