Renfrewshire 'confident' on future of Renfrew Ferry service

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Renfrewshire Council chiefs say that they believe the Renfrew Ferry "will be saved" from closure.

SPT (Strathclyde Partnership for Transport) recently announced that the centuries old ferry service would close at the end of March.

However, initial discussions with several business representatives have led Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay to believe that a ferry service will continue to operate between Renfrew and Yoker.

"Renfrewshire has gone from fighting the ferry decision to fixing it. I have been very encouraged at the expressions of interest we have already received that a ferry service could be maintained for the future.

"I'm not able at this stage to go into detail about the possible service providers so that all potential interested partners have time to come forward. However, I can assure the people of Renfrewshire that we are convinced that proposals can quickly be developed for a viable and sustainable service. We are working very hard to develop those proposals.

"At this stage we have one key demand for SPT. The authority must ensure that the ferry continues to operate beyond the end of March if that timescale is necessary to enable alternative service and appropriate funding arrangements to be put in place.

"As a public transport authority, it is SPT's duty to ensure a period of perhaps a few months of continued service to allow for a replacement service to maintain the existing customer base."

Councillor Marie McGurk, Renfrewshire’s Council's representative on SPT, said: "We are still disappointed at what was a rushed decision by SPT on the fate of the Renfrew Ferry.

"They gave little or no time to explore other options. However, it is very encouraging that businesses see a way of continuing this vital transport link.

"While the Renfrew Ferry is a major part of Renfrewshire's heritage, our argument has always been that it can be a vital part of the region's transport future. I am convinced that will be the case."

Press release: Thursday 3 February 2010