The future of the Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service has been secured for at least another year after Lancashire County Council and Wyre Council agreed a new funding package with the operator.
The agreement will see the historic crossing continue running until at least September 2027.
This provides reassurance for passengers while discussions take place over a longer-term future for the service.
Lancashire County Council had already committed £57,110 a year towards the ferry and has now agreed to provide an additional £62,000 during the current financial year.
Alongside funding already committed for 2027/28, the councils say the package should provide sufficient support to keep the service operating for the next 12 months.
The announcement was welcomed by the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry operator, which said the deal also opens the door to a longer-term contract in the future.
In a statement posted on social media, the operator said: “We are delighted to announce that Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Wyre Borough Council, have jointly agreed to support the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry for a further 12 months.
“This agreement secures the future of the service for another year, with the opportunity to move towards a longer-term contract next year.”
The operator thanked both councils and members of the public who backed the ferry during uncertainty over its future.
As part of plans to improve the service, the company has purchased a smaller vessel which it says is faster and better able to operate closer to the sandbanks during lower water levels.
The vessel is currently undergoing a refit, including the installation of a plough designed to clear the ferry berth and extend operating hours.
The operator also revealed a programme of dredging work is planned over the next year to help manage the build-up of silt and maintain access to the ferry route and berths.
New crew members are also set to be recruited, with vacancies expected to be advertised in the coming months.
A new skipper is due to join the service permanently after completing his notice period with a previous employer.
Passengers have been asked to be patient over the coming weeks while the operator deals with temporary staffing shortages.
Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Coun Warren Goldsworthy, said: “We recognise the importance of the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry and previously committed £57,110 a year towards supporting the service.
We have met that commitment and paid our contribution for 2026.
“We have carefully considered the request for additional funding and worked through the detail before reaching this decision.
“This additional funding of £62,000 was not budgeted for, and we have identified the money at short notice to protect a service we know is valued locally.”
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He added that while the council was committed to supporting the ferry, any future long-term arrangement would need to be commercially viable and provide value for money for taxpayers.
The ferry operator said continued passenger support would be vital, adding that the service plays an important role in connecting communities on both sides of the River Wyre and supporting local businesses.
The statement added: “The ferry is more than just a crossing, it connects two communities and supports local businesses on both sides.”
The service has operated for generations and remains a popular route for commuters, residents and visitors travelling between Fleetwood and Knott End.
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