A group of local people have volunteered to help get the Hampton Loade ferry reopened next year. Angie Dunn, who helps ferry owner Darren Page run the service, said that five residents had approached her following publicity in last week’s Journal.
The ferry, which first started in the 16th century, has been out of action this year because of Mr Page’s ill-health.
“I have spoken to a group of local people from Hampton Loade, who live on the Chelmarsh side of the river who have got together and want to help Darren run the ferry,” said Angie.
Local MP Philip Dunne, who attended a meeting on the riverbank last week when calls were made to push forward the re-opening, said he was delighted by the positive response. He said that a meeting was being arranged with district council representatives aimed at looking at ways to build on the progress.
District council leader Elizabeth Yeomans is keeping her fingers crossed that successful negotiations will allow the ferry to reopen next year.
“The ferry is very important and hopefully the situation can be resolved to the benefit of everyone,” she added.
