HAMPSHIRE residents breathed a sigh of relief after the Daily Echo revealed that a vital ferry link is on the verge of being saved.

Those who have been fearing for the future of the Hythe ferry have told of their to be relief now that the centuries-old service is about to be saved.

As previously reported by the Echo, the Southampton-based Blue Funnel is in the process of buying the boat and the pier from White Horse Ferries and aims to revitalise the route.

Hythe residents welcomed the news and told how they were relieved and happy.

Alan Rowland, 59, security guard, has lived in Hythe for his entire life and said: “We need it, especially in summer time. I hope this could be a new beginning for Hythe.”

The future of the ferry link has been hanging in the balance for years. Six months ago White Horse Ferries, which has operated the route since the early 1990s, warned that the service was “unlikely” to continue operating.

Sath Naidoo, 59, operation manager at Hythe ferry, said: “We always had confidence that something would happen. We were just waiting to see if someone else was to take over. This is going to be a new beginning, we just need to see how this can be achieved. My ambition would be to build the commuter traffic back up.I am confident that the new company can help in this.”

Blue Funnel director Lee Rayment stressed that the deal was still being finalised but said he was “90 per cent certain” it would go through. He told the Echo that he planned to transform the link by providing a back-up boat and a new ferry and aims to revitalise the service.

Along with residents, businesses said that this has been a “fantastic” news.

Helen Bennett, pictured, manager of a shop on Hythe High Street, said: “Knowing that the ferry could face closure has been devastating because it contributes to the essence of Hythe. I feel relieved now.”

Local county councillor Malcolm Wade said: “I was very happy and pleased that a new operator is taking over the service to secure its future.

“I am happy to help to take the service forward in the future.”

The handover is due to take place on Friday.