Ferry back in action after four-month shutdown

A popular ferry service in Lancashire is back in action after a fault caused it to shut for four months.

The Wyre Rose, run by Wyre Marine Services, runs the Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service which crosses the River Wyre.

It has been closed since December after the vessel encountered a fault which required parts that were unavailable at the time.

But operators confirmed on Thursday that the boat, which can carry up to 35 passengers, will be back in service in time for the Easter weekend.

Posting on their Facebook page, they said the Wyre Rose was given approval by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) to sail again after overseeing the final maintenance survey.

They said: "The news we have been desperate for! We are so glad to be back on the water! We hope to see you all soon. Thank you for your patience."

The ferry provides a vital link between Fleetwood and the Over Wyre communities of Knott End, Preesall and Pilling.

Although not operated by Wyre Council, the authority supports the ferry along with Lancashire County Council.

Operators said the four-month delay was due to issues with parts coming through customs and delays in surveys being assessed.

The ferry will operate between the following times: 12:45-17:45 BST on Good Friday and Saturday, and then between 13:45-17:45 on Easter Sunday and 07:45-08:15 on Easter Monday, followed by another service from 14:45-17:45.

Times can always change due to weather and tides.

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