Fleetwood to Knott End ferry returns on Saturday but with new strict Covid rules

Ferry skipper Tony Cowell decided to cease operating the service in March after becoming concerned that some passengers were ignoring social distancing guidelines.

The ferry is a vital link between residents in Over Wyre and Fleetwood, as many of them buy their provisions and attend GP practices in the town.

The service will be back on this Saturday and under the conditions of the ferry reopening, customers will now need to adhere to a number of rules.

A ferry service statement said: “There will have to be a number of rules which our customers must follow for health and safety reasons.

"Masks must now be worn at all times and if passengers do not have them they will be turned away from the vessel.

"No change will be given so customers will be asked to have the right amount of fare.

"Passengers will have to be able to board the vessel without assistance from the crew, as this will impact on social distancing rules."

In addition, hand sanitisers will need to be used before boarding and leaving the vessel

As well as these rules, anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms are being asked not to use the ferry.

The statement added: “We are asking passengers to be aware that we are working hard in the current situation for it to be safe for crew and passengers, while following government instruction.

“So customers are asked to be kind to our crew, anyone behaving aggressively towards staff will be asked to leave.”