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.
“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”.
I’ve just read the press release from the ferry company & it brings into doubt some statements from Thurrock council. Originally the story broke when Kent council said that Thurrock had withdrawn from the ferry deal & that they couldn’t afford to run it alone. Thurrock then refuted that claim, however the statement from Jetstream clearly sides with Kent, confirming that Thurrock did withdraw from the agreement. The only thing that Thurrock council are good at is telling porkies!
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”.
This is statement
Small time meanns weeks, months or year. We need make decisions.we need to move to Kent or changing school. Kids education issues. Please give us a solid answer