Hythe Ferry, which is owned by Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel, is asking passengers to put their hands in their pocket and donate to enable the return of the Hythe-Southampton service.
It was in September 2023 that Red Funnel purchased Hythe Ferry in a bid to ensure daily sailings between Hythe and Southampton Town Quay continued. But less than a year later, in August 2024, the service was suddenly suspended due to damage to the mooring pontoon at Hythe.
In January it was confirmed that the pontoon cannot be repaired and must be replaced, with Red Funnel needing to find £250,000 to fund the repairs.
Fran Collins, Chief Executive, said the firm was committed to resuming the historic and locally-important service.
Now, fast forward to March, and a crowdfunding appeal has been launched at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-to-return-our-ferry-service. A donor has already pledged £15,000, meaning £235,000 still needs to be found.
It’s said that Red Funnel is expected to contribute to the essential repair costs – although the amount is unknown – but that Hythe Ferry must also stand on its own two feet.
Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, Business Manager at Hythe Ferry, has said:
“The campaign was set up in response to public requests. We have been approached by many members of the community who wish to donate or fundraise in support of the service. The £1 target is symbolic; we are not expecting or pressuring the community to fund the ferry, but rather providing an option for those who genuinely want to contribute.
Article continues below this advertisement “If the service does not return, we will ensure that these donations are refunded”.
Must be taking the piss ..the amount of rip off money dead funnel take from us..get stuffed.