Cross-river ferry service to restart soon

Skipper Ben Ellis said the service was "coming back stronger"

Communities living on the opposite sides of a Norfolk river will soon be reconnected by a local ferry.

Services across the River Great Ouse between King's Lynn and West Lynn stopped in January.

Safety issues were found on the steps on both landing sites.

Repairs have now been completed and the ferry will start operating again from 07:00 BST on 11 August.

Michael de Whalley said safety was paramount

Ben Ellis, the skipper and co-owner of the ferry, said he was looking forward to getting back up and running.

"The ferry's coming back stronger than ever. I can't wait to get going. To all those who said they'd use it, I hope to see you soon," he said.

Norfolk County Council and the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk jointly funded the repairs.

Locals living in West Lynn have criticised how long it has taken to fix the problem.

Borough council cabinet member Michael de Whalley said work had been done as quickly as possible to restore the "vital" service, but added that safety was the priority.

"The landings look fantastic, and the operator is eager to set sail again," he said.

"I'd like to thank the passengers for their patience."

Damage to the landing site in West Lynn stopped the service in January

About 400 people a week use the ferry, which takes only foot passengers, between King's Lynn and West Lynn, where the jetty is 190 years old.

King's Lynn Civic Society said there had been a ferry operating on the Great Ouse since at least 1285.