The future of a ferry service, which has provided a crossing point on the River Severn near Bridgnorth for hundreds of years, has been secured.

The Hampton Loade Ferry should be back in the water at lunchtime tomorrow, thanks to a £5,000 boost from Bridgnorth District Council.

A community trust has been formed to safeguard its future after current owner Darren Page announced this year that he intended to sell the ferry.

Now the trust aims to help ensure there is a future for the crossing service, an attraction for tourists.

The organisation will initially work with Mr Page to get the ferry back up and running. The grant, approved before the council was abolished this month, will secure the ferry lease and cover initial operating costs, say officials.

Committee secretary Theresa Cole said: “The grant from Bridgnorth District Council has enabled us to move forward our plans to get the Hampton Loade Ferry back up and running.

“This historic ferry is very much a valued part of the Hampton Loade community and provides an important link for local attractions.”

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne has helped campaigners get together to relaunch the ferry. He said: “I am delighted that the trust has now been set up and there is every prospect of the ferry opening again for the summer season.” 

Trustee Alex Medhurst added: “It is still early days for this project and the trust is requesting support from local people and businesses to help ensure the ferry is operational for the summer season.

“The crossing at Hampton Loade has been in operation for some 400 years and if we do not act now, the opportunity to ensure this heritage is retained may be lost.”