Fears an “integral” ferry service may be scrapped have been voiced as a safety issue remains unresolved.
Travellers of the Hythe Ferry are apprehensive the service may be permanently lost.
Sailings between Southampton and Hythe have been halted for more than a week after a pontoon at the end of Hythe Pier was found to be damaged on August 22.
Further damage has since been discovered, prompting the indefinite suspension of the ferry.
Jos Knight, a Hythe resident who uses the ferry, is keen for it to remain once the repairs are completed.
She said: “Hythe Ferry and the train are an integral part of Hythe and the surrounding area, and it is always an exciting little trip for visiting families.
“I hope they manage to get the pontoon fixed.
“Living in Hythe, it is a quick and easy way to get to Southampton and is more leisurely at the weekend and you avoid all the road works into town at the moment.
“It would be such a shame to lose this service as it is a big part of Hythe heritage.”
Following the initial assessment of the Hythe Ferry pontoon and its supporting structure, engineers identified damage to steel work and dolphin piling.
Sath Naidoo, operations manager at the ferry, said this discovery led to the ferry being deemed as unsafe.
He said: “The safety of our teams and customers is our number one priority, so for now, the service will remain suspended until further notice.”
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Cllr David Harrison, who represents part of the Waterside area, said safety has always got to be the primary concern – but echoed concerns shared.
He said: “I can understand the decision. However, it is a great shame and a loss to the community and visitors who love the Hythe Ferry experience.
“Let's hope it is running again soon. I guess it will be before we get a Waterside passenger rail service.”
Malcolm Wade, councillor for Hythe, said he has been in contact with the ferry operators throughout the process.
He said: “The health and safety of the operation, passengers and crew is paramount, and they are working to resolve the current problems with the pontoon.
“In the meantime, they are looking at the available options to get the service going again.”
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