Hopes for return of suspended ferry service

The ferry links the market town of Hythe with Town Quay in Southampton

A ferry service which has been out of service for almost a year, could be back within months, its operator has said.

The Hythe Ferry, linking Southampton and the Waterside was suspended in August 2024 after damage was found to its pontoon and supporting structure.

In a letter to Hythe Town Council, chief executive of owner Red Funnel said it was "committed to progressing the outstanding works and restoring the service".

The council said there was "mounting frustration" at the absence of the ferry.

Corrosion discovered last year was found to have accelerated at a faster rate than initially thought and it was later revealed the pontoon could not be fixed, with a replacement costing £250,000.

The ferry has not operated since, with staff and users raising concerns whether it would ever sail again.

Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel took over the passenger link across Southampton Water in September 2023 after its previous owner Blue Funnel suffered from rising costs and low passenger numbers following the Covid pandemic.

In a letter to the town council, Ms Collins said three phases of work were progressing, with a temporary platform being put in place before repair work to piles is carried out.

"While there are still several logistical and technical dependencies to manage, it remains our ambition to have the service operational by the end of summer,

"Our focus remains on restoring the service under Red Funnel's ownership," she added.

The council said it would ask Red Funnel to provide a clear timeframe and confirm whether the service could resume by the end of August.

Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council and Southampton City Council have previously rejected calls for capital funding for the service.