MORE than 1,000 people have signed up to back a petition raised by borough MP Jen Craft calling for more to be done to restore the Tilbury to Gravesend Ferry.

The ferry service was shut down in March last year after an agreement to extend its funding could not be agreed between Kent and Thurrock councils.

In July last year members of Thurrock Council called for concerted action, to bring the service back.

And in December 2024 those members were told the council can't use Government transport funding to help reinstate the service because it did not meet required criteria.

There was a blip of hope for campaigners and supporters of the ferry when Reform took control of Kent Council at last May's elections. Reform supporters on either side of the Thames have called for its immediate restoration, including East Thurrock and South Basildon Reform MP James McMurdock.

However, little has been said by the council since the change of power, though a petition run by the local Green Party has forced a debate on the ferry's future to be scheduled shortly at County Hall.

Labour MP for Gravesham, Dr Lauren Sullivan, has also launched a petition to bring back the ferry, which she described as a "vital link" and "essential service" for residents, businesses and commuters.

Speaking on its impact on the south bank of the river, she said: "The impact on businesses has been quite profound and quite significant. We have seen that footfall has decreased in the town.

"It has had a huge knock-on impact on people's lives, and we want to show that there is a huge amount of support for the ferry to be in action."

The call for action is supported by Ms Craft, who is also drumming up public support. Mrs Craft's petition, launched last month, has received widespread support, with more than 1,000 signatures to date.

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The service came under threat when the then Conservative-run Thurrock Council withdrew financial support after declaring effective bankruptcy in 2022. With Kent County Council unable to meet the costs independently, JetStream Tours announced it would cease running the operation, citing "concerns and uncertainties" around long-term funding options.

While Kent and Thurrock Councils have both been investigating alternative funding options, no solution has been reached. The total subsidy needed to run the service is estimated to be around £200,000 per year.

Mrs Craft's petition is supporting her campaign to secure funding for the return of the ferry and has been met with strong support. In their responses, residents have shared how they have lost out since the ferry closed. 

Mrs Craft's petition remains open and can be accessed here: https://www.jencraft4thurrock.com/campaigns

The MP spoke to Nub news today (Saturday, 14 June) and said: "Growing up in Thurrock, I have so many fond memories of the ferry and am absolutely determined to bring it back for our community.

 "The ferry was a crucial part of our local transport network, providing a vital link across the river and connecting friends and family, while also supporting local business in Tilbury.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported my campaign, every signature and story strengthens the case I can make for the ferry's return. I will keep raising this issue in parliament as I explore every option available to bring back this essential service."

However, a KCC spokesperson said that it would be unable to support the service without joining funding from Thurrock Council "due to ongoing budget constraints".

They added: "However, we remain committed to working with a range of partners to explore a sustainable, long-term solution for a replacement service, should funding become available."

A spokesperson for Thurrock Council also confirmed its commitment to working with partners like KCC, Gravesham council and the Thames Estuary Growth Board, to seek a long-term funding model.

The ferry, which ran five days a week between 5.40am and 7pm, carried more than 100,000 passenger journeys a year, many of whom use it to commute to and from work and school.