Cllr Deborah Heneghan, Labour councillor for St Margaret’s with St Nicholas ward, has launched a petition calling on Norfolk County Council to commit to funding essential repairs to the West Lynn ferry’s landing stages.
Ongoing studies have shown the landing stages on both sides of the river are deteriorating quicker than anticipated and essential works are needed to ensure the ferry’s future.
The initial estimate of the cost of the work is £1.8m, and £800,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy money – a charge paid by housebuilders when they undertake new developments – has been awarded by the borough.
The remainder needs to be paid by the Independent-led Borough Council and the Reform UK-led Norfolk County Council.
The Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has demonstrated its commitment to the ferry crossing by including it in its Masterplan and it is hoped it will fund its share of the works.
This petition calls on Norfolk County Council to commit £500,000, which will be crucial for completing these works so the ferry can keep operating.
There has been a ferry crossing between West Lynn and King’s Lynn since 1285. Currently around 25,000 individual journeys take place on the ferry each year and this number should grow as people look for more environmentally and stress-free ways of travelling into town.
The ferry plays an important role in the heritage of the town and is a vital link between King’s Lynn and West Lynn. It offers a sustainable transport link for residents, supports local employment and tourism and reduces the number of cars coming into the town centre.
Cllr Heneghan said:
“It would be devastating for the town if we were to lose the ferry, which is an iconic part of Lynn life. I really hope the County Council recognise the importance of the ferry crossing in Lynn and agree to find the required funding.
“The ferry provides a vital link between West Lynn and King’s Lynn enabling people to easily travel into town without sitting in traffic jams or finding and paying for parking.”