The end is nigh for current Tilbury ferry service but Kent Council remains hopeful a 'long term' solution can be found
IT now looks certain that the Tilbury and Gravesend passenger ferry service will cease on Sunday, 31 March with no immediate outlook of a company coming in to replace Jetstream, which has withdrawn from its contract with Kent County Council and Thurrock Council.
However, following a survey of residents and users of the service on both sides of the Thames, Kent County Council says it is still actively attempting to find a new operator and the authority is still hoping to see the ferry return and 'a long-term solution' found for the service.
A Kent Council spokesperson said: "It is disappointing that the Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry will have to halt its service.
"We have worked hard to try to secure an extension to the contract while we find a long-term future for the crossing but this has not been possible.
"Supported by the results of our recent public consultation we will continue to work to secure a sustainable long-term solution for the ferry."
Last year Thurrock Council prompted concern about the service's future when the cash-strapped authority announced it was reneging on its commitment to provide financial support.
The matter was discussed by the Prime Minister after being raised in the Commons by borough MP Dame Jackie Doyle-Price and Thurrock Council leader Cllr Andrew Jefferies later completed a U-turn and said the authority had found a source of funding.
However, Jetstream announced it had had enough of operating the service and said it was pulling out.
Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "We are disappointed to learn that the Tilbury Ferry may have to halt its service in the short term.
"A great deal of work has taken place and funding had been secured to maintain the service in the short term while work took place to create a sustainable long-term future for the ferry crossing.
"However, despite this setback we will continue to work to secure a long term future for the ferry that does not rely on local council tax payers' money being used to provide financial support."
Details of the Kent consultation finding can be found via this link.
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