Ferry service to resume after repairs to pontoon

Clare Ainsworth
BBC News, South West
BBC The pontoon stretching across the blue river with sunshine sparkling on the waterBBC
The Jubilee Pontoon has been closed while vital repairs are carried out

A ferry service is to resume later this month following work to repair a weather-damaged pontoon.

The Jubilee Pontoon on Saltash Waterside has been closed on health and safety grounds after suffering weather damage, including during Storm Darragh in December 2024.

Saltash Town Council, which runs the pontoon, said immediate repairs had been necessary to ensure the pontoon's structural integrity.

The work is due to be completed in time for the return of the ferry from Saltash to Royal William Yard, Plymouth, on 24 May.

Saltash Town Council appointed Voyager Boatyard to carry out the repairs to ensure the pontoon remained "safe, functional, and accessible for many years to come".

Town councillor Julia Peggs said the refurbishment marked an important step in enhancing the town's waterside infrastructure.

"It is a valued asset that serves both residents and visitors and I am pleased to see it nearing completion," she said.

"I look forward to the reinstatement of our partnership with Plymouth Boat Trips and to welcoming both returning and new users as the pontoon returns to service."

'Successful new route'

Plymouth Boat Trips will be operating the ferry service from Saltash to Plymouth for a second year.

Owner Ben Squire said: "We're thrilled to be able to safely resume the Royal William Yard to Saltash ferry service, thanks to the swift and thorough works commissioned by Saltash Town Council.

"The new route, introduced last year, has been a really successful addition to our ferry network."

The Jubilee Green Pontoon was installed by the former Caradon District Council (CDC) as part of a Millennium project around 20 years ago to provide all-tides access to Saltash.

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