A ferry service that has been operating for 180 years is set to come to an end in days. The Fleetwood-Knott End ferry has provided a quick journey across the Wyre Estuary between Fleetwood, a seaside town on the Fylde Coast, and Knott End-on-Sea, a large village on the southern shore of Morecambe Bay, for generations.
But Wyre Council has announced that the ferry will end on April 15 after it didn’t receive any “compliant tenders”. It’s a blow for campaigners who have been fighting to keep the “vital” transport link open over the past three years. Fleetwood and Knott End-on-Sea are only 0.2 miles apart across the water, with the ferry providing up to 35 passengers with a simple 10-minute commute between the two.
Without the service, locals will have to make an 11-mile drive inland, crossing the Shard Bridge and passing through several villages to reach Knott End. It takes around 25 minutes by car.
In their statement announcing the imminent closure on Facebook on Friday, April 10, the Wyre Council said it “remains in discussion with the current operator, Wyre Marine Services, regarding the future of the service”.
“Over the past 18 months, the Council, working closely with Lancashire County Council, who jointly subsidise the existing service, has taken extensive steps to secure the long term future of the ferry,” it added.
“This has included early market engagement, a formal open tender process in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, and detailed discussions with organisations that expressed an interest in operating the service.”
“Unfortunately, no compliant tenders were received, and subsequent discussions have not yet identified a financially viable and deliverable proposal that would allow the service to continue beyond the current contract,” the council added.
However, the council said the service doesn’t continue after April 15, it “remains committed to exploring alternative options, including discussions with potential future operators and reviewing how existing Council assets could help support any future service”.
Wyre Council said it recognises that the ferry is “an important part of daily life for many residents, businesses and visitors” and it will “continue to work with partners and will keep the community informed of any developments”.
Express.co.uk has approached Wyre Marine Services for comment.