Councils urged to save Hythe Ferry by funding new pontoon

Hythe councillor Malcolm Wade has written to Southampton City Council and two other local authorities, amid growing fears for the future of the service.

It follows a plea for help from Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel and director of the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company.

In an email to Cllr Wade, Ms Collins referred to in-depth assessments of the existing pontoon and its support structure.

She said: "We are passionate about maintaining this vital transport link and are working to raise £250,000 to undertake the necessary repairs which would enable this vital service to resume."

Councils are being urged to save the Hythe Ferry by helping to meet the cost of a new £250k pontoon (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Collins described the ferry as a "lifeline" for commuters.

"Since the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company was incorporated to save the ferry in 2023, we've operated 5,500+ crossings and carried 70,000 passengers, proving how essential this service is.

"But now, without urgent repairs, its future is at risk."

READ MORE: Operator of the Hythe Ferry seeks funding to replace boarding pontoon deemed to be unsafe

Ms Collins added: "With the A326 regularly facing congestion and delays, the ferry provides a fast, reliable, and green alternative for commuters travelling between Hythe and Southampton.

"It aligns perfectly with local councils' sustainability and transport strategies, reducing road traffic, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting the county’s long-term infrastructure plans.

"A new pontoon is critical, but the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company cannot fund this alone. We have explored every alternative, but there is no viable solution without external financial support.

"We are calling on local councils, businesses, and stakeholders to work with us to secure this essential service as a pillar of local infrastructure."

The Hythe Ferry operates between Hythe Pier and Town Quay, Southampton, but sailings were suspended in August 2024 (Image: Newsquest)

The service was suspended last August when a boarding pontoon at the end of Hythe Pier was found to be unsafe.

Cllr Wade is hoping that Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council, and New Forest District Council will each make a one-off payment towards the cost of replacing the pontoon.

READ MORE: Hythe-Southampton ferry service suspended indefinitely due to safety issue

His letter to the city council said: "In the current environment of Local Government Reorganisation, this will make a positive example of councils working together for the residents they serve.

"The local community are fully behind the ferry and want it back in operation.  As a major port city, I am sure Southampton supports it too."

Cllr Wade is also asking local MPs to support his campaign.

Julian Lewis, Conservative MP for New Forest East said: "I trust the company is making a strong case to New Forest District Council and hope the council does everything it can to secure this key community asset for the future."