Hythe Ferry suspended indefinitely due to safety issue

They have accused Red Funnel of failing to keep customers updated about the Hythe Ferry, which has stopped running after a safety issue was identified last week.

Sailings between Hythe and Southampton were halted on August 22 when a pontoon at the end of Hythe Pier was found to be damaged.

Now passengers who rely on the service are demanding to know when it is likely to be back in action.

Hythe Ferry was suspended on August 22 after a pontoon was found to be damaged (Image: Newsquest)

The vessels are used by commuters, Saints fans attending games at St Mary's Stadium, and people travelling to and from events such as Southampton International Boat Show.

Posting on social media one woman said: "Can we please have an update on this service?

"It is a vital part of our community and we need to know if there is any idea when the service may resume."

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Referring to the pontoon she added: "I appreciate it may not have been inspected yet but if that is the case then tell us. No information is frustrating. Bad news is better than no news.

"Both my husband and I have appointments coming up and intended to use the ferry. If alternative arrangements need to be made, the sooner the better.

"I realise this is a safety issue and may be a long time resolving but please put the information out there for all to see."

Hythe Ferry was suspended on August 22 after a pontoon was found to be damaged (Image: Newsquest)

Other people have also gone online to voice their frustration at the lack of information being given out by Red Funnel.

One person said simply: "Updates please."

Another wanted to know if the ferry would be back in action in time for the the boat show, which is being held next month.

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Thousands of passengers use the service every year, relieving pressure on the A326 and other roads between Hythe and Southampton.

Cllr David Harrison, who represents part of the Waterside area, said: "A lot of regular users will be frustrated by the service interruption. Whenever public transport options are limited, it increases congestion on our roads."

Hythe councillor Malcolm Wade added: "The ferry is an important transport link to Southampton and a much-loved piece of our community’s history, used by generations of residents."

A notice at Hythe ferry terminal says the service has been suspended following a survey of the pontoon and its supporting structure.

Citing the need for further assessment it adds: "Engineers will be re-attending the pontoon as quickly as possible. As soon as we have further information regarding the repair timeline we will issue another update."

Last night a Red Funnel spokesperson said: "Red Funnel has now received the structural report from the engineers and is exploring options for next steps.

"As soon as we have further information we will share it."