The iconic Windermere Ferry will be out of service for five weeks from next month for its five-yearly refit and full inspection.
The Mallard passenger ferry will be out of service from Monday April 15 for a mandatory inspection required for maintaining its licence to run.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency will lead the inspection to check the integrity of watertight enclosure of the ferry and review the mechanical, electrical and operational records, ensuring the vessel, and council as operator, is fit to continue providing the service.
Operated by Westmorland and Furness Council, the authority said it had already invested in significant improvements to ferry in January to enhance reliability of the service in winter months. Work involved modifying the ferry ramps and installing longer chains to allow the vessel to operate in higher lake levels.
Councillor Peter Thornton, cabinet member for highways and assets said: “The Mallard has been connecting communities across the lake for over 30 years and we are committed to maintaining our cherished transport link for our residents, local businesses and visitors.
“Lots of hard work and dedication has got us to this point and preparations to the slipway are already well underway get the area set up to take the vessel.
“The programme will include inspection and repairs of all hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems along with hull repairs, rust treatment and painting. We also aim to fit a radar to allow operation in low visibility conditions such as fog.
“We recognise this is an important service and apologise for any inconvenience caused during the refit and inspection. We would like to thank our customers for your patience while we deliver this important work programme so we can continue providing a vital service for years to come.”
As Windermere Ferry will be out of service from Monday April 15 to Friday May24, customers who have bought a quarterly or annual fare prior to the inspection will receive a month’s complementary extension.
During the closure, road users are encouraged to follow the alternative route via the A591 to Ambleside then onto B5286 to Hawkshead.
