Ferry Service Suspended Until February Due to Mechanical Fault

A long-established ferry operation in Lancashire is set to be non-operational until February, attributed to a mechanical issue with its vessel. The Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service, currently managed by Wyre Marine Services and utilizing the Wyre Rose vessel, traverses the River Wyre in a mere five minutes and has the capacity to transport up to 35 individuals. This service establishes a crucial connection between Fleetwood and the Over Wyre communities, including Knott End, Preesall, and Pilling. However, the operating company released a statement on Facebook, clarifying their “difficult decision” to cease ferry operations ahead of schedule for its scheduled annual maintenance. They communicated: “The vessel has encountered a fault which requires parts and engineering work to be carried out.” They further explained, “However, due to the Christmas break, many of our suppliers are closed and cannot procure the parts we require.” Consequently, they stated: “Therefore we have made the decision to close a couple of weeks earlier than expected and start her annual maintenance work.” The operators conveyed: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” They concluded by noting: “We will update with a return to service date once we have one – this will be around February.” While Wyre Council does not operate the ferry, the council, alongside Lancashire County Council, provides support for the service. The operation was preserved two years prior, following an £80,000 financial injection from these two governmental bodies. This funding, allocated for a four-year duration commencing in 2022, was instrumental in safeguarding the longevity of the service, which has been operational since 1841. For further content, listeners can access BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and engage with BBC Lancashire on platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story contributions can be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material found on external websites and provides information regarding its external linking policy.