New spat in Fleetwood Ferry saga as Wyre Council and Lancashire County Council clash
The ferry’s future has become increasingly bleak over recent months due to budget problems.
There has been a new episode in the Fleetwood-Knott End Ferry saga as Wyre Council hits out at LCC amid potential staff losses and service reductions.
A statement issued by the ferry service warned that cuts from Lancashire County Council would threaten normal service, and that it was in negotiations with Wyre Council over potential new contracts to replace the missing funding.
The statement read: “For now, the uncertainty around the contract means we are unable to recruit or train additional staff.
“We are currently operating with reduced staffing and, unfortunately, there may be days when we are unable to provide cover. We sincerely apologise for this. It is incredibly frustrating, but our hands are tied while the future of the service remains uncertain. Once a contract is secured, positions will be available.
“We are continuing to work with Wyre Borough Council to explore every possible option to secure the future of the ferry. Our focus is not on politics or differences between councils, it is on keeping this vital service operating for the communities on both sides of the Wyre.”
In wake of the news, Wyre Council Leader Michael Vincent hit out at LCC for ending negotiations and reiterated his support for the service. He said: "We are very disappointed that Lancashire County Council have not agreed to honour the agreement and pay their half of the necessary subsidy and hope they will reconsider."
Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day
With a digtal subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe
Lancashire County Council defended their decision to end the negotiations in a statement issued to the Gazette.
Cllr Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Lancashire County Council, said: "We recognise the importance of the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry and agreed funding of £57,110 a year to support the service for the next three years. We met our commitment and have paid our contribution for 2026.
"However, after the funding arrangement was agreed we were asked to provide a significant additional contribution. We consider every financial decision carefully and if we had agreed to pay this then money would have been taken away from budgets already agreed to support services that people in Lancashire rely on.
"The contract to run the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry is the responsibility of Wyre Council, and as we have already paid our half of the subsidy, they will need to find the additional funding requested or negotiate with the operator."
For now, the future of the ferry remains in doubt despite ongoing negotiations between the ferry company and Wyre Council.