The future of the historic Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service has been thrown into doubt again after a fresh political row erupted over funding for the route.
Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers has accused Lancashire County Council of failing to provide its share of the ferry subsidy, warning the future of the service is once again under threat despite its importance to local communities.
In a statement, Ms Beavers said the ferry, which has connected communities across the Wyre estuary for more than a century, was at risk because Lancashire County Council would not pay what she described as its share of the subsidy.
She said: "They are the transport authority, it's their job to keep Lancashire's transport going but yet again, our ferry is at risk because they won't pay."
The MP argued the cost of protecting the service was relatively small compared with the county council's overall budget and said the ferry was an essential transport link for residents, businesses and visitors.
She added that the route plays an important role in connecting Fleetwood and Knott End, providing access to services while also forming part of the area's heritage and identity.
The latest dispute comes just months after fears over the ferry's future prompted a public backlash.
Earlier this year, Wyre Council announced the service was set to end after a lengthy search for a new operator failed to produce a financially viable proposal.
The decision sparked outrage among residents and campaigners, many of whom described the ferry as a "national treasure" and a lifeline for those without access to a car.
However, the authority later reached a deal with the current operator to keep the service running beyond the planned April closure date while work continues on a longer-term solution.
Responding to Ms Beavers' claims, Lancashire County Council said it had honoured its funding commitment and had already paid its agreed contribution for 2026.
Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "We recognise the importance of the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry and agreed funding of £57,110 a year to support the service for the next three years.
"We met our commitment and have paid our contribution for 2026."
The council said it was later asked to provide a significantly larger financial contribution than originally agreed but decided against doing so because it would require money to be diverted from other services.
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Mr Goldsworthy added: "The contract to run the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry is the responsibility of Wyre Council, and as we have already paid our half of the subsidy, they will need to find the additional funding requested or negotiate with the operator."
The five-minute crossing carries more than 30,000 passengers a year and has operated in its current form since 1894, although ferry links between Fleetwood and Knott End date back to at least 1841.
By road, the same journey involves a lengthy detour via Shard Bridge.
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