The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, told Department for Transport officials they have 48 hours to work with Local Authorities and Gosport Ferry owners to pull together a package of support.

In a meeting today, Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, joined leaders from Hampshire County Council, Gosport Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council in a video-conference call with the Secretary of State for Transport, to discuss the urgent financial situation of the Gosport Ferry.

This was the most recent in a succession of meetings for Caroline, who has been working intensely with colleagues in Government and Gosport Ferry bosses for well over a month to find a solution.  She used the call today to once again stress the urgency of this situation, and to underline that, for many local people, the Ferry is a lifeline.

Local Authority leaders agreed that a joint response on funding was necessary in order to support the Ferry and keep the service running, the Secretary of State for Transport concluded the meeting by requesting his officials to pull together a proposal for Council Leaders in the next 48 hours.

Commenting, Caroline said:

‘Gosport Ferry is a lifeline to people in our area, that’s why I have been working with Ferry bosses, Government colleagues and Local Authorities for many weeks now to find an urgent package of support during the current challenges.

I welcome the fast time-frame set out by the Secretary of State and his determination to work towards a coordinated response to help this vital and much-loved service.’