THE fight to save the Hythe ferry took a crucial step forward yesterday with a visit from a valuation officer to look at the costs of running the service.

About 7,000 people have so far backed the Daily Echo's campaign to stop the historic route from being axed after soaring business rates were imposed on ferry bosses.

White Horse Ferries, which runs the service between Hythe and Southampton, warned that it would not be able to continue if the hike went ahead.

Roger Knight, from the Valuation Office Agency, travelled to Hythe to review the figures in depth.

He was also taken on a guided tour of the pier and on a ferry trip, so that he could see for himself what was at stake, courtesy of the director of White Horse Ferries, Richard Lay.

"It was a very enjoyable and useful trip," Mr Knight told the Daily Echo.

"There is some indication of areas I might be able to adjust and find a way forward. We are not quite there yet but we are optimistic.

"I am hopeful that a decision will be reached in weeks rather than months.

"I came here with a totally open mind. I am not hamstrung by what anyone else has done. There are some unusual costs here to do with maintaining a jetty of such length."

After the visit, Mr Lay said: "Today has been very important and I believe we have achieved a degree of understanding as to the circumstances that the ferry operates under, which were previously unappreciated. I look forward to achieving an early agreement on a review of the rates and believe that is now possible."

Mr Knight was drafted in by valuation chiefs because he has an extensive background in the valuation of ferry terminals. He will meet Hampshire County Council bosses today to find out more about their involvement with the service.

The heavily subsidised route receives more than £100,000 in annual grant aid from the county council towards repair work and keeping the ferry afloat. White Horse Ferries was shocked when its new bill - which will ultimately cost it thousands of extra pounds if it is not reduced - did not take this into account.