The Knott End to Fleetwood ferry is to enter a new contract with Wyre Council and Lancashire County Council, following a decision in December.



Back in March, Wyre Council was determined to save the ferry service and find a new ferry operator.

Now, the new supplier will operate the ferry under an eight year contract, offering a year round, seven days a week service, similar to the current service.

The Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service has been in operation since 1841 linking the town of Fleetwood with the rural communities of Knott End, Pilling and Preesall and providing a vital transport link between the communities.

Councillor Peter Murphy, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, commented: “It's great that we have managed to save the ferry and work out a deal with Lancashire County Council and the new operative. It's an important facility for many people and one that now has a bright future.”

During the recent negotiation process, Lancashire County Council agreed to contribute to the running of the ferry service on a 50/50 basis with Wyre Council for the first four years, after which the ferry should be self-sustaining.

In addition, they will provide the ferry to the successful supplier under a mortgage arrangement whereby the vessel will become the responsibility of the operator and its ownership transfers to them in full at the end of the eight year contract period.

The ferry is due to undertake its annual inspection and repairs on the 15 January and the new service will commence when the boat goes back into the water in early spring following the repairs and testing.

To view the ferry timetables and find out more information visit www.wyre.gov.uk/ferry

£17.5 million on Penwortham bypass yesterday, more money chucked at a ferry in Wyre today - all evidence that West Lancashire is hardly on the map so far as the bigwigs in Preston are concerned.