Izzy Lepone 13 April 2026

Wyre ferry service’s end is in sight, council confirms

Wyre ferry service’s end is in sight, council confirms image
The Fleetwood–Knott End Ferry Service. © philip openshaw / Shutterstock.com.

Wyre Council has announced that its Fleetwood–Knott End Ferry Service is due to terminate in two days.

The local authority said that over the last 18 months, it has been in talks about the ferry’s future with the joint subsidiser of the service, Lancashire County Council. It also revealed that it is still in conversation with Wyre Marine Services, the ferry’s current operator.

However, according to a social media statement posted by the council two days ago, it had not received any compliant tenders that would enable it to support the continued existence of the ferry after its contract expires.

The ‘discussions have not yet identified a financially viable and deliverable proposal’, the statement confirms.

Acknowledging the importance of the ferry for residents, tourists, and businesses, the council has provided reassurance that it will alert the community of any updates about the service.

The statement adds: ‘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.’

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: ‘Lancashire County Council has previously set out its intention to maintain its share of funding for the service over the next three years, subject to appropriate contractual arrangements being finalised by Wyre Council, and that position remains unchanged.

‘Both councils are working together to explore what options may be available.’

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