"As discussed during 2012 we will be looking closely into the feasibility of re starting the ancient ferry crossing that used to ferry people (and horses / cattle!) between North & South Fambridge - at the moment we are only at the very early stages of what seems to be a good idea. Were not expanding into the transportation of cattle but we do already have lots of customers who live in several villages surrounding South Fambridge and have had increased interest from residents of South Fambridge in becoming a customers of ours. With the ever increasing price of running a car, a ferry service would make a lot of sense.
Residents of South Fambridge would probably find the North Fambridge railway connection to London via Wickford etc, very useful & there’s the Ferry Boat Inn of course. Residents of North Fambridge would benefit from the extended coastal walks & access to other villages / areas on / around the South bank including the ever increasing London Southend Airport.
Another benefit would be that, we already have many customers who reside on the South side, these customers would have the option of leaving their car at home and making use of the ferry to get to us, this would help to ease traffic on our local roads. Also residents of both areas would be able to make more efficient use public transport, giving greater freedom to those without vehicles.
A similar (and very popular) foot ferry is operated in Brightlingsea, providing a link for the residents and visitors of Brightlingsea / Point Clear & East Mersea.
The existing (original) ferry steps which used to lead to a wooden pier (you can still see the old pier timbers at low water) are in a bad state of repair, they no longer provide a safe method for transferring people onto / off a ferry.
For a ferry to work efficiently and to modern standards there would need to be a provision for safe car parking at South Fambridge, also, some kind of ‘bus stop’ style waiting shelter and a foot bridge leading to a pontoon which could give all tide access to deep water (this would have to be approximately 100m (ish) down river from the present ferry steps to get to deep water as the area below the existing steps dries out for a couple of hours either side of low water – hence they used a pier).
As mentioned we're just at the idea stage, we need to look into what is needed to obtain several licenses / permissions from several agencies, inc Rochard Council before we even start to get excited.
We did speak to the owner of Ferry Cottage several years ago about the ferry rights. The owner confirmed that the house had ferry rights linked to it and we had a nice chat, I cannot remember what the outcome was but, as we had just purchased the marina and moorings we had lots to be getting on with, the ferry idea was sadly forgotten about. The Ferry Boat Inn also has ferry rights – maybe they did a relay!
Were very much aware of retaining / maintaining our rural location and friendly / family atmosphere, customers seek us out & want to be with us because of this”.
Best regards,
Danyal Adams
Director
Danyal Adams
Director
Fambridge Yacht Haven Ltd
Church Road
North Fambridge
Chelmsford
Essex
CM3 6LU"
We will report and keep you informed of any developments with this idea as soon as we hear about them.
