THE leader of Thurrock Council says he is committed to restoring the Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry as fears grow that it could be lost for good if it is not restored soon.
The ferry had to halt its service earlier this year after an agreement to extend the current contract could not be made.
Councillors urged the Labour administration to double down on finding a way to bringing it back. At a full council meeting, Roy Jones, Independent councillor for Stanford East and Corringham Town described how residents of all ages were suffering from the loss of the ferry and put forward a motion to restore it.
However, Mr Jones said the issue was now urgent as the service could be lost as people learn to live without it. He said: “I heard that there were things going on behind the scenes. If it could move a bit faster it would be good. My take is that the longer it isn’t operational that it gets accepted but I know for a fact it is needed.
“I heard maybe Tilbury docks is trying to help out so maybe behind the scenes they are trying. We’ve got Uber that could become involved.”
Mr Jones added: “I’ve had emails from people saying they really do need this. There’s been a crossing there since Roman times. People have said they would be prepared to pay a little bit more. It’s infrastructure that should be there. I’ve worked in Kent and it’s far easier to use the five-minute crossing.”
John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said work was continuing to restore the ferry. He said: “The loss of the ferry has had a significant impact on many residents – people who relied on the ferry, not only for leisure, but for getting to and from work and to get to school.”
“We have heard from many residents just how much the loss of the ferry means to them and we are committed to finding a commercially sound and sustainable long-term future for this historic river crossing.”
Mr Kent added: “We recognise the important role that passenger transport on the river is likely to play and we want to do all we can to make sure that the Tilbury Ferry can be part of that future.”
Ask the Govt. to contribute a tiny fraction of the £217 million that they are taxing people to use the QE2 Bridge, they should be supporting the ferry if they want to ride the M25 gravy train
The previous writer has a point, revenue raised from the QE2 crossing which has long paid for itself can help restore the river crossing and by the way anyone who’s used this service will know how essential it is to daily commuters. It’s not a leisure boat or cruise by any imagination. This is needed by school children and workers alike. If the govt is serious about easing congestion on the QE2 bridge then this is one way that can be achieved.
I cannot see the ferry ever coming back, the issue why it hasn’t returned is down to money. If a new operator is found how are the two councils going to meet the ever increasing costs to fund it. The only way it can operate is if the two councils can get the government to fund the ferry through a subsidy raised as the two previous people suggest.
I cannot see the ferry ever coming back it was stopped because the money ran out. If a new operator can be found how are the two councils going to meet the ever increasing yearly costs to fund it. The only way it can operate is if the two councils can get the government to fund the ferry through a subsidy which seems highly unlikely.
Any further developments since the last message ( I bet not- typical)
Thanks