Company behind the running of the Fleetwood - Knott End Ferry breaks silence

Wyre Marine Services Ltd, who operate the ferry service published a statement regarding the future of the service.

The statement published on Facebook said.....

"We would like to apologise for our silence this week following the council’s announcement regarding the discontinuation of the ferry service. 

"We had a scheduled meeting with the council today and felt it was important to have all the facts and a clear plan in place before making any public comment. Most importantly, after first speaking with our staff regarding today's outcome. Whatever the outcome of today’s meeting our staff would always have a role in our company.

"We requested to continue operating the ferry on an interim basis for the benefit of the public. Following constructive discussions with Wyre Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, it was jointly agreed that the ferry service would continue operating on an interim basis for the benefit of the public while longer term arrangements are progressed. Talks have been positive, and discussions are now underway towards agreeing a new three year contract.

"Over the last 25 years we have invested a lot of our company’s money into the service for the local people. We were happy doing so for the people of Fleetwood and Knott End. We have informed the council of our investment plans for the new contract which we are currently in talks for.

"There is a lot of speculation and rumours online regarding the service and tender that is untrue. There are many more factors that have been failed to be considered/mentioned.

"Additionally, the change in passenger numbers was not a council decision, but rather a result of changes to the vessel coding and certification requirements. Under the previous passenger capacity, the vessel master was required to hold a specific certification. 

"Unfortunately, it proved difficult to find locally based individuals with this qualification, particularly following the retirement of our master and manager.
"With the changed vessel coding, the certification requirements have changed and therefore a larger pool of qualified individuals is available. This allows us to recruit from a broader range of applicants, reducing reliance on a small number of certified personnel and improving the overall reliability of the service. It will allow us time to train up a new master for the certification.

"Although the number of passengers per journey is lower, we will be operating continuous crossings once the maximum passengers have been reached. Therefore, providing a better service to the public where we can run more than every half hour as necessary.

"Under the current MMO licence we were prohibited from disposing of dredged material at sea. Our company has invested and designed a new water injection dredger that can now dredge under the current licence. We had scheduled to dredge this month and will still go ahead with this to create longer operational hours for the service.  

"While we greatly appreciate the fundraising efforts, the best way to support your local ferry is to use the service and, in doing so, support local businesses in both Knott End and Fleetwood.

"We are grateful for your support over the years. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our staff for their continued support running the service. 

"Thank you, Wyre Marine Services Ltd"