Renfrewshire Council condemns SPT decision to axe Renfrew Ferry

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Renfrewshire’s Council’s representative on Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has condemned as "economically, socially and environmentally unjustified" SPT’s decision to axe the Renfrew Ferry service.

Councillor Marie McGurk has insisted that Renfrewshire Council "will explore every avenue" to maintain the ferry service which has operated between Renfrew and Yoker for centuries.

"This essential transport link is unquestionably part of Renfrewshire’s heritage. However, our main argument is that it can still provide a vital role in the region for the future.

"SPT provided very few details on the economic case for closure. It ignored Renfrewshire’s proposal to have an urgent review on how the Renfrew Ferry service can be maintained for the short term and then secured for the long term.

"We believe there are a range of funding and transport options which can be quickly worked up and considered.

“There was no need for SPT to rush through this decision with little or no justification let alone consultation.

"I can assure the tens of thousands of people who use the Renfrew Ferry that Renfrewshire Council will do all we can to reverse this decision by bringing forward practical proposals for a renewed and effective service.

"It’s a great pity that the public transport body charged with that responsibility didn’t bother to do that before axing the service".

Press release issued by: Friday 22 January 2010