Comments on: The Ferry has been Stopped

By: graham p

graham p — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:51:46 +0000

Teignbridge District Council you should be ashamed of yourselves pen-pushing box ticking no good jobsworths….

By: Sydney

Sydney — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:42:11 +0000

Its a crying shame,someones head should roll for this outrage.

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:46:44 +0000

There is a petition at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/SaveourFerry/ – please get as many people as you can to sign it and keep the ferry in public ownership so that its assets cannot be sold off.

By: melanie

melanie — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:31:35 +0000

What a short sighted decision, on so many levels to stop the Teignmouth – Shaldon ferry. Why has no one set up an online pressure group where people can vent there frustration and sign a petition, so the council can see how much damage they are doing to the community, and public image of this beautiful area.

By: steve

steve — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:01:03 +0000

yet some thing else that is disapearing in shaldon, 1st shops now the ferry what next??? why not close the pubs & cafes???

By: Randolf

Randolf — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:09:50 +0000

It Can’t Happen Here, Can It?
We all watched the television in horror as the rain swollen rivers of Cumbria inflicted their damage on Cockermouth. Pity the poor souls who lost possessions, homes and pets we thought. Then there was word that brave Police Constable Bill Barker had perished while securing the bridge at Workington; human tragedy and the relentless force of nature. No, it doesn’t make the rationalization any easier; there will always be catastrophic weather somewhere in the world. But are we really thinking about the implications for Teignmouth and Shaldon?

You may, or may not, accept the explanation that those rains were a once in a millennium event. There is no guarantee that a similar event would not produce similar results on the Teign. What if the Shaldon-Teignmouth bridge were undermined by a flood-swollen river? What alternative means is there for crossing the river? A ferry perhaps?

By: Bob Hussey

Bob Hussey — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:13:15 +0000

The Councils decision to offer an annual contract to run the ferry, which when offered did not secure an operator, only came about because Mr Trout gave notice part the way through his 20 year contract. This I believe was in part brought about by the lack of response from the Council and their indecisiveness.
The Council at their Executive meeting of the 3rd November thanked Mr Trout for the highly efficient service that he ran, and highlighted the level of support he had from the wider community. As the Council hold Mr Trout in high regard then why not negotiate with him in a sensible and business like manner and allow him to continue with at least the remainder of his contract on terms that are acceptable to both sides.
Further to the question put by Mr Baldey at the Executive meeting the Council is bound by the Local Government Act 1972 to obtain best consideration for the disposal of any asset. The consideration may be assessed therefore not only on price but overall on what may be in the best interests of the Council taking all relevant issues into account. Also that the method of disposal shall be by public auction or tender unless another method is recommended and approved by the Policy Holder before, this being Councillor Connett.
Therefore it is within the powers of the Council and Councillor Connett to negotiate with Mr Trout exclusively taking all relevant issues into account.
So come on Teignbridge do not let this much needed ferry die and use some common sense and talk with Mr Trout on the terms he is suggesting.

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:39:16 +0000

We travel by train from London to holiday in Shaldon every year – Devon roads are too clogged up to bring a car. Like many holiday makers, we use the ferry almost daily during our stay and its friendly service is a big part of why we love the area so much. So sorry, Teignbridge council, we will not be booking for 2010 unless the ferry is restored. Add in others who, like us, will take their holidays and money elswhere and it’s clear your ’savings’ are actually a financial drain on the very people you were elected to serve.

By: Derek

Derek — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:43:48 +0000

I hope Teignbridge had the courtesy of advising Tom Franklin the chief executive of the Ramblers association and walkers that they have effectively removed a link out of the Coastal footpath and Templar Way.
We have the government legislation to give a future coastal path and putting forward some 50 million pounds. On the othe hand we have Teignbridge giving up a long term income for a speculative short term gain, without first giving thought to the consequences, the result of which is to take a link out of the coastal path and Templar way.

By: Giles

Giles — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:59:53 +0000

It is a sad day when a man as honourable as James Trout has to take the route he has because of the disingenious , deceitful and in some case downright liars that inhabit the bowels of T.D.C. The self serving folk that precipitated Mr Trouts decision are unfortunately just another example of the mallaise that has affected this country in recent years. Make no mistake Councillors , most residents realise that you consider yourselves secure in your ivory towers , however , that is an illusion of your own making ! Enough is enough , Teignmouth is in danger of becoming an ex resort due to the monkeys tea party that is T.D.C. You have two options .
Shape up or Ship out.