Petition to reinstate 'vital' ferry to be debated

The Gravesend to Tilbury foot passenger ferry alongside the jetty at Tilbury

Businesses are backing calls to reinstate the river crossing service between Gravesend in Kent and Tilbury in Essex.

Jetstream, the operator of the service, announced last year it would not renew its contract.

Green Party member Rebecca Drake started a petition, which collected more than 2,400 signatures, and has been submitted to Kent County Council (KCC) to be debated at a council cabinet meeting on 17 July.

Reform-controlled KCC says it remains "committed" to working with other partners to explore "a sustainable, long-term solution for a replacement service, should funding become available".

Ms Drake said she started her campaign last year after speaking to residents about how the closure had impacted them.

"The service was a lifeline to the communities. Gravesend businesses have reported a noticeable downturn in revenue," she said.

Ms Drake, who ran as a parliamentary candidate in Gravesend last year, added: "Reinstating the ferry means there are more alternative transportation options and less pressure on roads."

Rebecca Drake, who started the petition, standing with Natalie Bennett, Green Party Member of the House of Lords, who also signed her petition

Glen White, owner of gaming cafe The Mug and Meeple in Gravesend, said the ferry was a "vital service" for businesses and residents in both towns.

"It was a shame the ferry stopped operating. It was a cost-effective way of travel for work, school and shopping," he added.

James Langley, owner of Gravesend Models & Wargames, said he had seen a fall in customer numbers visiting his shop.

"Many people, especially older people, came to Gravesend for shopping because it was convenient," he said.

More than 100,000 passenger journeys were made every year on the ferry service, according to KCC.

A spokesperson for KCC said: "We understand the disappointment surrounding the withdrawal of the Tilbury ferry service.

"Without joint funding from Thurrock District Council, we are currently unable to support the service independently due to ongoing budget constraints."

A spokesperson for Thurrock council added it remained committed to working with KCC, Thames Estuary Growth Board and other partners for a "long-term sustainable funding model to reinstate the ferry".

"A number of focussed officer workshops are planned over the coming months to work through the details," they added.