Ferry in the water



A historic ferry across the River Severn that has been out of action for nearly two years has been lifted back in the water.

The Hampton Loade Ferry, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, has not been running since flooding affected the area and damaged the boat.
A non-profit-making trust, set up to run it, said it is hoping the public can use the ferry from 25 April.
Ferries have been making the crossing there for more than 400 years.


The foot ferry has been attached to a cable across the river. It does not have power and previously used the current of the water to pull it across to the opposite bank.
A crane lifted the river ferry back into the water on Friday.


Alex Medhurst, a trustee from Hampton Loade Community Trust, said he believed interest would now take off.
He said: "All sorts of people are wandering down to have a look.
"Considering in January it was just a thought, to actually get it in the water, it's the first step to getting it operational."
The trust said it had arranged to lease the ferry from the operator, Darren Page.
Mr Medhurst said: "We'll probably take it on a couple of test runs on the river over the next week.
"The cable has been inspected and tested."
He added the trust had received a £5,000 grant from Bridgnorth District Council, which has since joined with other councils to become Shropshire Council.


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