COMMUTERS have begged ferry bosses not to scrap a “vital” service.

People travelling across the Solent have said they would be devastated if Hythe Ferry scrapped its service operating between Southampton and the New Forest.

The ferry has been running for more than 100 years and was described by passengers as “essential.”

Their plea comes after the company came under fire by campaigners in the last two months for an unpredictable service, as only three boats are currently working but need extensive repairs.

Now regular passengers coming across from Hythe to Southampton have had their say about top level talks next week to potentially axe the service all together.

Hythe Ferry managers will be meeting with councillors to create an action plan to see if they get the service back on track.

Debbie Squires, 54, a shipping clerk from Hythe said: “I have been using this ferry for 10 years to get to work every single day and to go shopping at the weekends.

“It’s vital for me and what has been happening over the last few months was just disorganisation, it’s hard because people commuting do have commitments so they could understandably get angry but overall this is a brilliant service.

She added: "It would be a catastrophe if the service ended, especially for people going to and from work. It's also really popular with tourists in the summer or families giving their kids a bit of an adventure.

"I really think instead of taking away funding and stopping the service they should be investing in it because it's a lifeline for so many people, you don't have to suffer the traffic and when it does run it's reliable and a friendly service as opposed to some of the horror stories you hear about other forms of public transport."

The talks next week will be between operators White Horse Ferries, Lib Dem Cllr for Hythe Malcolm Wade and Hythe Parish Council as the ferry receives a £50,000 subsidy from Hampshire County Council.

Michael Buckett, 35, a pipe fitter from Southampton said: "I used to live in Hythe when I was younger and the ferry was always great fun, with the rain going up to it and everything it's a very unique experience which shouldn't be taken away. I know it would be extremely inconvenient for a lot of people because so many people commute on it."

Lindsay Turner from Hythe added: "When I got a job in Southampton it seemed only natural that I use the ferry to get there because I've used it to get to the city all my life. It would be awful if it didn't run anymore and actually quite tragic because the ferry is something that makes Hythe stand out, it's a vital thing."