I am sorry to say anyone putting money into the Ferry is just wasting it.

In its heyday, the 60/70s it was a growing crossing, with tours of Southampton docks, cruises to Portsmouth and Isle if Wight. Coach loads coming from Dorset, regularly.

Also the pier was kept up together with facilities and open air seating..

The Ferry ran from 06 00 to 23 30. Meaning workers could use it daily, and if someone went to a cinema, they could still get home.

The Percy family ran a tight ship, repairs yearly on boats, the pier always getting attention for safety reasons. They sold out once things were changing..

The toilets discharged into the sea, as was allowed then, but not now. It is DC current for electric, most things now are AC. Cooking was by bottled gas, which got expensive.

The whole thing now is a total disgrace. They say they will upgrade the pier, which will cost thousands, if not millions. What state are the main pillars in? When were they last inspected? I bet they are badly corroded and need replacing.

The poor train is falling apart, even though Hythe Man Shed is doing its best to restore it.

Buses run every 20 minutes, right into shopping centre. The Ferry not disabled friendly, when there is a large population of disabled people!

I spent hours using the Ferry, but I certainly would not use it now. The last three owners have said they would make it pay, but none have, and upkeep has been zero.

It is time to see it for what it is, an out dated means of transport. It is a shame, but that is what happens with progress. You cannot let your heart rule your head, there is no sentiment in business now.

M Cranfield

Southampton