UK ferry route connecting two towns to close on Wednesday after 180 years | UK | News
Ferry services, which have been continuing for 180 years, will end in a few days. For generations the Fleetwood-Knott End ferry has provided a rapid journey across the Wyre Estuary between Fleetwood, a seaside town on the Fylde Coast, and Knott End-on-Sea, a large village on the south shore of Morecambe Bay.
However, Wyre Council announced that the ferry would end on April 15 after receiving no “compatible bids”. It is a blow for campaigners who have been fighting to keep the “vital” transport link open for the past three years. Fleetwood and Knott End-on-Sea are just 0.3 miles apart on the water, and the ferry can accommodate up to 35 passengers in a simple 10-minute trip between the two.
Without the service, locals would need to travel 11 miles inland, crossing the Shard Bridge and passing through several villages to reach Knott’s End. It takes about 25 minutes by car.
In a statement on Facebook announcing the imminent closure on Friday (April 10), Wyre Council said it was “continuing discussions with the current operator, Wyre Marine Services, regarding the future of the service”.
“Over the past 18 months the Council has taken extensive steps to secure the long-term future of the ferry, working closely with Lancashire County Council, which jointly funds the existing service,” he added.
“This included early market participation, a formal open tender process under the Procurement Act 2023 and detailed discussions with organizations that have expressed interest in operating the service.”
“Unfortunately no suitable bids have been received and subsequent discussions have yet to identify a financially viable and deliverable bid that will allow the service to continue beyond the current contract,” the council added.
However, the council said the service would not continue after April 15, saying it was “committed to exploring alternative options, including discussions with potential future operators and a review of how existing Council assets could help support any future service.”
Wyre Council said it was aware the ferry was “an important part of daily life for many residents, businesses and visitors” and that it would “continue to work with partners and keep the community informed of any developments”.
Express.co.uk has approached Wyre Marine Services for comment.
