TIME is running out if plans to save the currently defunct Tilbury to Gravesend ferry service are to materialise.

That's the message from a campaigning local councillor – whose call for urgency has been recognised by Thurrock Council's leader.

At July's full council meeting, Stanford East and Corringham Town independent councillor Roy Johns called for action with a motion that read: "We call on Thurrock Council to work with both central government and Kent County Council to find a way to restore the vital historic Tilbury to Gravesend Thames River Crossing.

"We urge all parties to seek funding from community or other sources as to put in place a long-term plan for this infrastructure link between Essex and Kent." 

It was seconded by council leader Cllr John Kent and unanimously supported – but little seems to have happened publicly since, and Cllr Jones fears the window of opportunity to save the service may have passed.

He fears the service could be lost as people learn to live without it.

He says: "I have heard that there are things going on behind the scenes. If it could move a bit faster it would be good. My take is that the longer it isn't operational, that it gets accepted but I know for a fact it is needed.

"I heard maybe the Port of Tilbury is trying to help out, so maybe behind the scenes they are trying. And we've got Uber that could become involved."

Mr Jones added: "I've had emails from people saying they really do need this. There's been a crossing there since Roman times. People have said they would be prepared to pay a little bit more. It's infrastructure that should be there. I've worked in Kent and it's far easier to use the five-minute crossing."

Cllr Kent says work is continuing to restore the ferry, albeit behind the scenes.

He said: "The loss of the ferry has had a significant impact on many residents – people who relied on the ferry, not only for leisure, but for getting to and from work and to get to school."

"We have heard from many residents just how much the loss of the ferry means to them and we are committed to finding a commercially sound and sustainable long-term future for this historic river crossing."

Cllr Kent added: "We recognise the important role that passenger transport on the river is likely to play and we want to do all we can to make sure that the Tilbury Ferry can be part of that future."