You will be aware that we have terminated our contract with the Council to run the ferry from Shaldon to Teignmouth. This decision was very reluctantly taken.
We have been having discussions with Council officials for three years about the future of the ferry service and in particular for the need for a new ferry boat. In October 2005 we had plans drawn for a new ferry and a quote to build a new ferry to our specifications.(in excess of £100k)
Our concession started in October 1998 and was due to run until 30th September 2018. On April 11th 2006 we met with the council to outline our proposals to build a new ferry.
We offered to pay for the replacement ferry subject to a revised contract price to be agreed with the council – we heard nothing. Therefore, in March 2009 we gave six months notice that we would have to terminate our contract.
I thought it would help if I set out the reasons why we took our decision to terminate.
1. In the course of our discussions mentioned above the Council’s declared its intention to sell the ferry assets IN 2007.. This led to concerns as to the future of the ferry operations to the extent that there was no conclusion to our discussions
2. The terms of the Contract were such that they had become too restrictive and onerous, as the basis of a commercial undertaking by a private operator. We understand, of course, that the Council wishes to provide a service but as we had to run at a financial loss for extended periods it became clear that the existing contract was becoming heavily weighted against a viable commercial operation
3. The operational costs of running the business including the maintenance of the ferryboat increased and this coupled with the inconclusive discussions left us with little scope and incentive for developing the business.
In September 2009 the Council sought Tenders for the continued operation of the Ferry on an annual basis. We submitted a Discussion Document setting out the issues as we saw them and how we thought the Council should consider going forward. The document also outlined our proposals for a contract.
We also agreed to assist the Council by extending our termination period to run the ferry operation until the end of October 2009
I should state that we would be pleased to continue the operation of the ferry for a minimum period of five years and to finance the works to the hull of ferry T&S4 subject to a renegotiated contract. On 29th June 2009, R Cann & Son quoted a sum of £28,350.00 plus VAT. Details of these proposed works were sent to the Council.
You will be aware that we have terminated our contract with the Council to run the ferry from Shaldon to Teignmouth. This decision was very reluctantly taken.
We have been having discussions with Council officials for three years about the future of the ferry service and in particular for the need for a new ferry boat. In October 2005 we had plans drawn for a new ferry and a quote to build a new ferry to our specifications.(in excess of £100k)
Our concession started in October 1998 and was due to run until 30th September 2018. On April 11th 2006 we met with the council to outline our proposals to build a new ferry.
We offered to pay for the replacement ferry subject to a revised contract price to be agreed with the council – we heard nothing. Therefore, in March 2009 we gave six months notice that we would have to terminate our contract.
I thought it would help if I set out the reasons why we took our decision to terminate.
1. In the course of our discussions mentioned above the Council’s declared its intention to sell the ferry assets IN 2007.. This led to concerns as to the future of the ferry operations to the extent that there was no conclusion to our discussions
2. The terms of the Contract were such that they had become too restrictive and onerous, as the basis of a commercial undertaking by a private operator. We understand, of course, that the Council wishes to provide a service but as we had to run at a financial loss for extended periods it became clear that the existing contract was becoming heavily weighted against a viable commercial operation
3. The operational costs of running the business including the maintenance of the ferryboat increased and this coupled with the inconclusive discussions left us with little scope and incentive for developing the business.
In September 2009 the Council sought Tenders for the continued operation of the Ferry on an annual basis. We submitted a Discussion Document setting out the issues as we saw them and how we thought the Council should consider going forward. The document also outlined our proposals for a contract.
We also agreed to assist the Council by extending our termination period to run the ferry operation until the end of October 2009
I should state that we would be pleased to continue the operation of the ferry for a minimum period of five years and to finance the works to the hull of ferry T&S4 subject to a renegotiated contract. On 29th June 2009, R Cann & Son quoted a sum of £28,350.00 plus VAT. Details of these proposed works were sent to the Council.
Thanks for the comments. Please keep contributing your views.
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This non-running of the ferry is already bringing about an air of closure to Teignmouth’s back-beach. No longer is this area a bustling part of Teignmouth life – it’s quickly becoming a deserted back-water.
I don’t understand the reluctance of Teignbridge to continue with even a temporary arrangement to keep the ferry running – have they additionally considered the retail businesses that are suffering with the lack of passenger througput?
Running and maintaining this ferry service is not a low cost undertaking as investment is needed for maintaing the craft to regulated and certified condition and safety levels – and don’t forget the operating staff who must each have a high level maritime certificate to cross even this short stretch of water with passengers.
Yes it’s a financial asset to Teignbridge – but what about those of us who would like to continue using it, and not forgetting those who have used the ferry over the centuries and depended on it – it’s not so much the financial asset, as part of our lives – what compels Teignbridge to remove this service whilst they ponder…
That the oldest operatioing passenger ferry in the country has been discontinued after such a long history is a matter of profound regret, both from a historical and, maybe more pertinently, from a utilitarian and service point of view. To go from Shaldon to Teignmouth, or vice versa, is not feasible without using private transport – which not everyone has or wishes to use – or walking an uninviting mile and a half. Public transport is hardly worth mentioning in this context.
To an extent, the ferry has suffered from improvements in safety legislation, which we must applaud, but it is unfortunate that the Council has not taken due note of this, and furthermore of Mr Trout’s willingness to go a long way to meet the difficulties concerning the future of the ferry.
Please will our elected councillors take another, constructive and more sympathetic appraisal of the options available to them ?
cannot believe (but possibly shouldn’t be surprised), that a council, who are elected to look after the best interests of the community, can see any benefits of effectively stopping the ferry from operating. The ferry has been part of the landscape of Teignmouth and Shaldon for hundreds of years, providing tourist visitors to Shaldon, who otherwise wouldn’t visit, and spend valuable money in the pubs and shops there.
I am so glad I got the chance to travel on the ferry during the summer, as if the council carry on like this, I won’t get the chance again, and that is just so wrong.
Why, can’t they look at the big picture, at what the ferry provides for the community? In these times of financial hardship, they should be doing EVERYTHING they can to support the businesses in the area, to encourage tourism, and by shutting down such an historical fixture, they are doing just the opposite. I think you all can probably tell, I’m furious.
I have been watching this story with some interest since stumbling across it.
“The ferry has been stopped” a powerful statement.
Question. “What ferry?-Why”.
A little research and another question.
“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”
As a regular visitor to Shaldon since the mid-1950s (most recently yesterday) I find it extraordinary that this historic service, a unique combination of public transport and tourist attraction, should have come to an end. After talking to locals and scouring this website it seems quite clear that Teignbridge is the villain, and must reconsider its stupid and intransigent position. This is exactly the sort of enterprise that a local council should be supporting fully, either as sole operator or in partnership with a private concern. A framed photo in my Taunton flat shows the ferry in 1906, now killed by dreary pen-pushers. It must be revived.
we want the ferry back for us and fresco restaurant.
just do it
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.
Good point Bob Hussey. It might be worthwhile putting your suggestion directly to Councillor Connett. You can get his e-mail address from the Teignbridge Website.
Yes, good point from Bob Hussey, a negotiated tender with a preferred, experienced operator (Mr Trout) would be common sense. The ferry and the ferry staff are the delight of our annual holiday in Shaldon and most days we cross over to the back beach and Teignmouth. Last year the ferry diverted briefly so passengers could watch a harbour seal catch, play and eat a flounder – an wonderous experience that apparently has no value at all in the eyes of the council. Teignmouth has being looking better and better the last 2-3 years – but the council seems set on losing the tourist trade all over again. Why? I remember 2 years ago the sale of the beach hut got national coverage – can we get the same publicity for the campaign to restore the ferry?