'We did not choose to end the ferry service' - Wyre Council makes its Fleetwood Ferry position clear
‘We know there are strong feelings and we want to clearly set out the current position.”
Wyre Borough Council has clarified its position after the sudden announcement that Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service contract will cease tomorrow (April 15)
On its Facebook page, the authority said it hadn’t ‘chosen to end the ferry service’, in fact neither the borough council or Lancashire County Council wants the service to stop and further discussions with the current operator, Wyre Marine Services’ are taking place this week.
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This is the full statement:
We know there are strong feelings and a lot of questions about the future of the Fleetwood–Knott End ferry, and we want to clearly set out the current position.
• The Council did not choose to end the ferry service.
• Last week, the Council was formally advised that the current operator does not wish to continue operating the ferry beyond the end of the existing contract in April 2026, which is why an update was shared promptly.
• Over the past 18 months, the Council has worked with Lancashire County Council to explore future options, including early market engagement and a formal tender process with more flexible terms than the previous agreement, such as allowing smaller vessels while still permitting larger vessels with higher passenger capacity, and providing greater flexibility around operating hours, all within legal and safety requirements.
• While there was some initial interest, no tenders were submitted, and no viable proposal has yet been identified at this stage that would allow the service to continue beyond the current contract. Further discussions with the current operator, are taking place this week to explore whether a plan can be agreed to support continued operation.
• The ferry remains a subsidised service, this situation is not about the Council withdrawing funding. Neither Wyre Council nor Lancashire County Council wants the service to stop.
• The Council does not own or control a ferry vessel for future operation which means operating the service directly is not currently an option. Any new operator would need to provide a suitable vessel.
It concluded that they fully recognise how important this service is for residents and communities.
“The Council continues to explore all realistic and deliverable options that could support its continuation. Any further updates will be shared following further discussions with the current operators.”
In a separate statement, a Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: “The Knott End to Fleetwood ferry is operated under a contract managed by Wyre Council and jointly funded with Lancashire County Council.
"Wyre Council recently carried out a procurement process to secure an operator for the service. "Unfortunately, no compliant tenders were received, and subsequent discussions have not yet identified a financially viable and deliverable proposal that would allow the service to continue beyond the current contract.
"Lancashire County Council has previously set out its intention to maintain its share of funding for the service over the next three years, subject to appropriate contractual arrangements being finalised by Wyre Council, and that position remains unchanged.
"Both councils are working together to explore what options may be available.”