20-06-2025
Petition to reinstate Tilbury to Gravesend ferry to be debated
Businesses are backing calls to reinstate the river crossing service between Gravesend in Kent and Tilbury in the operator of the service, announced last year it would not renew its Party member Rebecca Drake started a petition, which collected more than 2,400 signatures, and has been submitted to Kent County Council (KCC) to be debated at a council cabinet meeting on 17 KCC says it remains "committed" to working with other partners to explore "a sustainable, long-term solution for a replacement service, should funding become available".
Ms Drake said she started her campaign last year after speaking to residents about how the closure had impacted them. "The service was a lifeline to the communities. Gravesend businesses have reported a noticeable downturn in revenue," she Drake, who ran as a parliamentary candidate in Gravesend last year, added: "Reinstating the ferry means there are more alternative transportation options and less pressure on roads."
Glen White, owner of gaming cafe The Mug and Meeple in Gravesend, said the ferry was a "vital service" for businesses and residents in both towns."It was a shame the ferry stopped operating. It was a cost-effective way of travel for work, school and shopping," he Langley, owner of Gravesend Models & Wargames, said he had seen a fall in customer numbers visiting his shop."Many people, especially older people, came to Gravesend for shopping because it was convenient," he than 100,000 passenger journeys were made every year on the ferry service, according to KCC.
A spokesperson for KCC said: "We understand the disappointment surrounding the withdrawal of the Tilbury ferry service. "Without joint funding from Thurrock District Council, we are currently unable to support the service independently due to ongoing budget constraints."Thurrock Council has been approached for a comment.
