Hythe Pier has been sold to a woman who spearheaded a successful campaign to save the ferry service after it was threatened with closure.

Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, a member of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, has bought the 700-yard pier from the owner of Blue Funnel Ferries.

Lee Rayment retained ownership of the Grade II-listed structure after the selling the ferry to Red Funnel in 2023.

In a statement, Mr Rayment said: "We are happy to announce that Hythe Pier has now changed owners. Blue Funnel has sold the pier to the Hythe Pier Company, owned by Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan.

"This new ownership will provide a fresh vision and exciting times for the pier’s future. Ashleigh brings a youthful imagination, passion and commitment to keeping the pier safe, improved, and developed for years to come."

Hythe Pier, one of the longest in the year, dates from the Victorian era and needs major repairsHythe Pier, one of the longest in the country, dates from the Victorian era and needs major repairs (Image: Newsquest)

It comes as passengers wait to learn when the ferry service between Hythe Pier and Town Quay in Southampton Pier will resume.

Vessels use a pontoon beside the pier, but sailings stopped at the end of August after the pontoon's supporting structure was found to be damaged.

READ MORE: Fundraising campaign launched to save Hythe Ferry ends in triumph after gaining widespread support

Mr Rayment said the Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA) would continue to focus on the pier's restoration.

He added: "Ashleigh’s new role as owner will focus on revitalising the space with events, pop-ups, and creative uses to engage the community and generate sustainable revenue.

"Her approach will combine preservation and modernisation, ensuring the pier remains an inviting and beloved destination."

Passengers are still waiting to learn when the Hythe ferry service will resume. Sailings have been suspended since the end of AugustPassengers are still waiting to learn when the Hythe ferry service will resume. Sailings have been suspended since the end of August (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Mutimear-MacMillan added: "I want to protect and preserve our heritage.

"The pier is a vital part of our community’s history and I’m determined to safeguard it while also creating new ways for people to come and enjoy it.

"By balancing restoration with modernisation, we can ensure Hythe Pier has a vibrant future."

Three years ago a crowdfunding initiative launched by Cllr Mutimear-MacMillan raised more than £37,000. That, together with cash donated by local authorities, lifted the threat of closure that had been hanging over the ferry.

A narrow-gauge electric railway which began operating in 1922 takes ferry passengers to and from the end of the pierA narrow-gauge electric railway which began operating in 1922 takes ferry passengers to and from the end of the pier (Image: Alan Titheridge)

Blue Funnel, which still owned the service at the time, described her as a "true legend".

Cllr Mutimear-MacMillan launched her campaign after Blue Funnel, starved of income as a result of coronavirus restrictions, announced it had run out of money.

She and her supporters staged a raft of money-spinning events, including a 24-hour Walk the Pier challenge.

Cllr Mutimear-MacMillan set out to raise £60,000 but was able to revise her target after Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, and New Forest District Council gave the ferry service a total of £67,500.