Hythe residents aim to rescue troubled ferries

The people of Hythe have pledged to do all they can to keep their ferry service, threatening petitions and community action.

Many said it is a vital link between the waterside market town and Southampton city centre, which hundreds of residents and tourists use every year.

It comes after Hythe Ferry managers revealed they would be holding top level talks with councillors to get the struggling service back on track, which campaigners said has become “unpredictable.”

The historic ferry has been battling problems over the past two months.

Currently only one one of its three boats is in service as the Hotspur IV needs extensive repairs including a new hull.

Another vessel, the Uriah Heap, suffered damage when it was in a collision in Town Quay and is also currently undergoing repair work.

In the latest problem to beset operators, passengers were left stranded on Saturday when the regular boat, Great Expectations, suffered mechanical problems.

It was a fresh headache for those who run the ferry service as the vessel had just come back on to the water after being out of service for a month for its annual inspection.

This has sparked talks between operators White Horse Ferries, Lib Dem Cllr for Hythe Malcolm Wade and Hythe Parish Council. Residents have had their say over what can be done to improve and safeguard the future of the ferry.

Residents this week spoke up for the ferry.

Ray Varney, 75 said he felt it would be a tragedy if it were lost.

He said: “It’s a unique service which Hythe can offer which residents use to get to work and tourists use to enjoy the sites of the pier and the slightly old fashioned experience.

“People might think it is a novelty but it would be a tragedy if the ferry service was axed.”

Dell Dean said the ferry had become part of the town’s identity and it would lose part of its history if it ended.

He added: “It would be sorely missed – the ferry service is part of what Hythe is all about and it just wouldn’t be the same without it. It would be a catastrophe to lose the ferry.

“I have used it for so many years. It’s become part of the town’s identity.”

Sheila Dean added: “It’s ridiculous to even think that the ferry service may not exist any more.

"That ferry is a godsend for this town. It offers residents so much. It’s part of our heritage and I don’t think it would go quietly.

“There are too many people that care about it.

"We would start petitions, talk to businesses about campaigns – anything to stop it closing.”

Fellow Hythe resident Margaret Girdwood, 75, pictured, said: “I think it’s very much part of Hythe. I think it needs a funding boost but people that live here adore the ferry.

“It’s such an easy service to get for a day in Southampton or even to get on to a main train to London. I don’t know if residents could really cope without it.”

Hythe ferry receives a £50,000 annual subsidy from Hampshire County Council.