The Knott End to Fleetwood ferry traverses the River Wyre Estuary (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
A historic 10-minute ferry crossing that spares passengers a half-hour commute to two seaside towns is set to shut down – marking the end of its 180 year history. The Fleetwood-to-Knott End-on-Sea ferry service, in Lancashire, connects the two towns on either side of the River Wyre estuary and carries up to 35 people-per-trip.
Despite running since the 1840s, Wyre Council said the service, currently operated by Wyre Marine Services, will end when the contract expires on April 15 because it has no « compliant tenders » to run it yet. The borough authority, which co-funds the ferry with Lancashire County Council, today confirmed that the service is due to end on April 15.
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The council said it had been working with Lancashire County Council to try to « secure the long-term future of the ferry ».
However, the council said there was currently no « financially viable and deliverable proposal that would allow the service to continue beyond the current contract ».
Reacting to the authority’s Facebook post announcing the service’s end, some people described the ferry as a « national treasure » and said its loss would be « devastating » to the local economy.
There has been a three-year campaign to save the ferry, which campaigners described as a « vital service » and a « solid piece of heritage ».
Campaigner Anton Arenko, who started a petition last year when funding for the service seemed doubtful, described the latest announcement as a “massive blow”.
The filmmaker Mr Arenko, an avid supporter of the ferry, made an affectionate film called End to End about the ferry, which has been operating in various forms since the 19th century.
He said: « I am truly gobsmacked right now. I have no words left.
« I’m very confused how, despite our campaigning, they’ve allowed this to happen, I and the public were led to believe we were successful and a contract had been secured for another three years.
« This is a massive blow to a town that has lost too much. »
By car, the journey of about 11 miles – which requires driving south and taking the Shard Bridge – takes about 25 minutes.
Ferry over the River Wyre Estuary (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Wyre Council, posting a statement on Wyre’s social media page on Friday afternoon, said: « Wyre Council has today confirmed that the Fleetwood–Knott End ferry service is due to end on 15 April 2026
« The Council remains in discussion with the current operator, Wyre Marine Services, regarding the future of the service.
« Over the past 18 months, the Council, working closely with Lancashire County Council, who jointly subsidise the existing service, has taken extensive steps to secure the long term future of the ferry.
« This has included early market engagement, a formal open tender process in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, and detailed discussions with organisations that expressed an interest in operating the service.
« Unfortunately, no compliant tenders were received, and subsequent discussions have not yet identified a financially viable and deliverable proposal that would allow the service to continue beyond the current contract.
« If the service does not continue past 15 April 2026, the Council remains committed to exploring alternative options, including discussions with potential future operators and reviewing how existing Council assets could help support any future service
« We recognise the ferry is an important part of daily life for many residents, businesses and visitors. The Council will continue to work with partners and will keep the community informed of any developments. »
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