A MUCH-loved ferry service linking Southampton to the New Forest will not be bailed out by the area's councils. 

This week it was announced that the Hythe Ferry will stop running on New Year's Eve after being hit with rising costs and falling passenger numbers. 

Bosses have said they hope to save the link by selling the business and its assets to another operator. 

But now three council's in the area have ruled out any sort of bailout despite an outpouring of sadness at the news. 

Daily Echo: Hythe Pier and ferry entrance.Hythe Pier and ferry entrance. (Image: Newsquest)

In a statement, Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council said: "Unfortunately, following the Covid pandemic and the rising cost of living, demand has not returned to previous levels, and we are not able to provide the amount of ongoing subsidy that would be needed to keep the service running.

"We very much hope that a new operator can be found."

New Forest District Council confirmed it is not involved in the search for a new owner, although the authority did accept the closure was "regrettable". 

The ferry used to be run by White Horse Ferries but in 2016 was taken over by Blue Funnel Ferries after the company warned it was "unlikely" it would continue.

Last year campaigners also won a battle to prevent the ferry from being sunk by the economic impact of the pandemic.

A crowdfunding initiative launched by Hythe resident Ashleigh Mutimear raised more than £37,000, lifting the threat of closure.

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