Renfrew Ferry teases return after Clyde bridge out for 'months'

Disappointed pedestrians and driver took to social media to demand the return of the boat which transported passengers from Renfrewshire to West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow, and back, before shutting down three weeks after the Renfrew Bridge opened.

Before leaving service, the ferry had been operating for more than 240 years when it become "unsustainable" due to the sharp drop in passengers.

However, after we reported how the Renfrew Bridge faces a months-long closure after high tides in Storm Boelo caused "extensive" damage to the electrical hydraulics, many suggested the ferry should return.

(Image: NQ)

Responding to the rumours, owners of the ferry said that the closure has "gotten people talking" and are "exploring" the idea of the vessel's return.

However, in order to make it happen, bosses are suggesting a crowd funding page in order to ensure community interest.

The post on social media read: "The ferry has been part of Renfrew's history for generations, and with the bridge currently out of action, it's got people talking about the possibility of bringing a ferry service back to the Clyde.

"I'm not committing to anything, but I wondered whether there's enough community interest to explore the idea of a Crowdfunder to help get a new boat operating.

"Could local people and businesses come together to make something like this happen?

"Would you support a community effort to bring the Renfrew Ferry back? Would you be willing to contribute a few pounds towards it if it proved possible?

"This is just an idea at this stage, but if there's enough interest, perhaps it's something worth looking into."

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes announced on Thursday afternoon that alongside Councillor Jim Paterson they met with senior council officers regarding the bridge and flooding in Renfrew.

In the meeting, she said they discussed a review over the decision not to raise the flood barriers before water from the Clyde poured into the streets of Renfrew, and urged the officers to have the bridge repairs completed in the "shortest timeframe possible".

She said: "Cllr Jim Paterson and I met with senior officers this morning regarding both the flooding in Renfrew over the weekend and the damage at Renfrew Bridge.

"We asked officers a number of questions on both issues, and were clear that the non-deployment of the flood barrier and the procedure must be reviewed, and that we want the shortest timeframe possible in terms of getting the bridge back in action. Work is ongoing on both fronts and we'll be keeping a close eye."

(Image: NQ)

Meanwhile, Councillor Jamie McGuire says the council need to be "transparent" with residents about how the damage was not avoided.

He said: "The Council says the plant room suffered extensive water ingress, causing significant damage to the bridge’s opening mechanism. That raises a very basic question: how was the risk of water ingress assessed when this bridge was designed and built?

"We live in Scotland. Heavy rain, storms and extreme weather are not unexpected.

"Being told the bridge could be closed for several months is hugely concerning.

"It will affect residents, commuters, families and businesses, particularly those relying on the link between Renfrew and Yoker/ Clydebank.

"The Council needs to be completely transparent about what went wrong, how long repairs will take, what they will cost and who will ultimately pay."

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said the "exceptional" tidal surge brought on by Storm Boelo was the highest since digital records began.

They said: “The exceptional tidal surge on the River Clyde at Renfrew on Saturday night was recorded at 6.7metres, the highest since digital records began in 1998 and more than twice the level forecast.

“The available forecast data and information for the severe weather at the weekend, which included the predicted tide levels for the Clyde, did not meet the currently set threshold for activating the flood barriers in Renfrew.

"Unfortunately, the water levels which affected various locations on the estuary, raised significantly above predicted levels resulting in some local flooding. We will review the arrangements in place to ensure these procedures reflect the impacts of a changing climate environment.

“We recognise the impact this has on businesses within the Renfrew North area. We are looking into options of support we can provide to businesses and will be in contact with them in due course.”