After three weeks of maintenance work, Windermere’s troubled ferry returned to work this morning according to an email to users from Westmorland and Furness Council – only for a second note to be sent out thirty minutes later saying services had been cancelled due to mechanical issues.
A project to install a new engine, refurbished gearbox and carry out other repair work, was due to be completed by February 15, with the vessel due back in time for the half term break last week.
On Friday afternoon final work was completed which the council said included lubricating the drive line, minor component refitting, and testing.
Strong winds then led to the cancellation of weekend services.
This morning’s news has caused concern among ferry users.
On the service’s Facebook page, one user said: “This is not acceptable for residents who rely on this service, let alone for visitors who will not understand the unreliability of this service.
Morning email update says ferry is running….Ferrycam displaying closed and contact telephone number out of service.
It’s actually embarrassing now.”
