Local authorities reject plea to help save Hythe Ferry

Two local authorities have rejected pleas to help fund the work needed to reinstate the Hythe-Southampton ferry service, which has been suspended since last August.

A mooring pontoon at the end of Hythe Pier needs to be replaced with a new structure that would cost £250,000.

Hythe county councillor Malcolm Wade has written to councils and MPs on both sides of Southampton Water in a bid to raise some of the revenue needed to fund the project.

But Southampton City Council and New Forest District Council have both declined to make a contribution.

Operators of the Hythe Ferry need to find £250,000 to replace a damaged pontoon at the end of Hythe Pier (Image: Newsquest)

In a letter to the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, part of Red Funnel, the city council's interim chief executive, Andrew Travers, said: "We agree that the service is beneficial for people in Waterside and the wider area.

"However, the financial situation of the city council and local priorities mean we are unable to provide financial support."

READ MORE: Councils urged to save Hythe Ferry by helping to fund new £250,000 pontoon

The issue was raised at this week's meeting of the district council.

Members of the Liberal Democrat opposition group asked the authority to make a "modest contribution" of £60,000 towards the cost of replacing the pontoon, but the proposal was defeated.

Cllr Wade said he was still awaiting a "final response" from Hampshire County Council, which has also been asked to help out.

The Hythe-Southampton ferry service is used by shoppers, commuters, and football supporters (Image: Newsquest)

The ferry, which operates between Hythe Pier and Town Quay, is used by shoppers, commuters, and Saints fans attending home matches at St Mary's Stadium.

Julian Lewis, Conservative MP for New Forest East, said: "It would be a great loss to the community if the ferry service could not be reinstated because of the damaged pontoon.

"It was a cause of celebration when Red Funnel agreed to take over the ferry and, given their great experience, we should all have confidence in their belief that they can make a success of this arm of their business."

READ MORE: Passengers say they are being kept in the dark over future of Hythe-Southampton ferry service

Red Funnel's chief executive, Fran Collins, has said: "We are passionate about maintaining this vital transport link.

"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.

"A new pontoon is critical, but the ferry company cannot fund this alone. We have explored every alternative, but there is no viable solution without external financial support."

Red Funnel has been approached for an update.