Comments on: More Background

By: Mary Branson

Mary Branson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:20:14 +0000

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?

By: Paul Daker

Paul Daker — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:33:35 +0000

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.

By: Bob Hussey

Bob Hussey — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:01:45 +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: cherry and marco

cherry and marco — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:29:21 +0000

we want the ferry back for us and fresco restaurant.
just do it

By: john collis

john collis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:44:38 +0000

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.

By: Robert Lowth

Robert Lowth — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:19:44 +0000

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?”

By: JaneLarsen

JaneLarsen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:54:01 +0000

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.

By: Barrie behenna

Barrie behenna — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:32:27 +0000

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 ?

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:11:42 +0000

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…