No replacement in sight for 'unreliable' ferry

A passenger ferry across England's largest lake will not be replaced for at least five years, despite previous plans for the ageing vessel to go.

Westmorland and Furness Council had committed to replacing the Mallard, which carries cars and passengers across Windermere in Cumbria, with an electric vessel.

That plan was delayed in 2023 and the authority has now said it was "not currently engaged in a procurement process for a new ferry".

Passengers said the service was "brilliant" for a short cut but it could not be relied on.

"When it's working it's very useful, but bad weather or out of action - it's more not working than working, unfortunately," said Bowness resident Jane Goodwin.

The Mallard takes passengers and cars from Ferry Nab in Bowness to Sawrey near Hawkshead and can carry up to 18 cars and more than 100 people.

The ferry, which has been licensed for a further five years, is currently out of action for three weeks as it undergoes work to install a new engine and gearbox.

Last year it was also taken off the water for about six weeks following a refit and was then out of action due a fault in November.

The boat is more than 30 years old and the Liberal Democrat-led council had pledged to replace it with a £4.5m electric ferry by spring 2024, but set aside £900,000 for repairs instead.

Ms Goodwin, who lives in Bowness and works in Hawkshead, said her four mile journey (6km) from home to work doubles when the ferry is not operating.

She said: "You can't rely on it and that's the problem.

"You could go across on it for a walk and the weather would turn bad and you wouldn't be able to come back, but we do need it."

Fiona Whitton, who also lives in the Windermere area, said she felt there was a need for a new ferry.

"It's a long way round if you've got to go all the way around the lake," she said.

Councillor Peter Thornton, who is responsible for highways at Westmorland and Furness Council, said the authority may consider the "ambition" of an electric ferry in the future.

He added: "We continue to explore options and learn from others who have undertaken similar procurement and ferry replacement programmes, ensuring we apply best practices and make informed decisions."

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