Council urged to say when Windermere Ferry will reopen

A South Lakes councillor is calling on Cumbria’s Liberal Democrat and Labour-run County Council to confirm when the Windermere Ferry will reopen.

The Ferry, which is managed by the council, was forced to close at the end of May due to an engine fire – forcing drivers to make a 15-mile detour to reach the other side of the Lake.

A temporary Lake crossing service is being provided to pedestrians by Windermere Lake Cruises but this does not take cars.

Councillor Bill Wearing, said: “At the height of the tourist season it is simply not good enough for the council to fail to provide a date when the Windermere Ferry will be up and running.

“In a single day, more than 800 cars can use the Ferry. As well as the inconvenience to drivers who must make a 45-minute detour while the Ferry is closed, the extra traffic on local roads is also being increased at an already busy time in the tourism calendar.

“After six weeks of excuses, it is now time for our Liberal Democrat and Labour-run council to provide a date when the Windermere Ferry will reopen.”