Ferry service across River Thames set to be axed

Thurrock and Kent County Council officers have started looking for an alternative service provider, but it may have to close for a short time

A ferry service connecting Essex and Kent across the River Thames is set to be axed.

The leader of Thurrock Council, Andrew Jefferies, announced operator Jetstream would not be renewing its contract.

More than 100,000 passenger journeys are made every year on the ferry service, which takes people between Tilbury and Gravesend.

Mr Jefferies said he was "really disappointed" with Jetstream's "last minute" decision. The company was contacted for comment.

The ferry can carry foot passengers and bicycles

"For some reason they have announced today they won't be extending the contract," the Conservative councillor told the BBC.

Thurrock and Kent County Council officers have started looking for an alternative service provider.

Mr Jefferies said the contract had been under discussion between Kent County Council and Jetstream.

But after the parties failed to reach an agreement, the service would not run past the end of March.

The council leader said he was confident a new operator would be found, but warned that "there may be a small time that the service isn't running".