Dismay at SPT decision to cancel Renfrew Ferry

Renfrew politicians Jim Sheridan & Wendy Alexander reacted with dismay to the decision of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport to approve their budget plan which will end 500 years of history by scrapping the Renfrew Ferry.
 
On hearing the decision the Labour MP said, “This is very disappointing. I had hoped that given the strength of feeling demonstrated by the people of Renfrewshire that the SPT would have seen this proposal as a mistake and reconsidered their position. The SPT are required by statute to produce a balanced budget and whilst recognising this would have preferred if alternatives to closing the ferry could have been brought forward. I am still investigating alternatives including private financing and assure the people of Renfrew that I will do all I can to keep the ferry going in some capacity.”
 
Wendy Alexander MSP said, “This short-sighted decision is a slap in the face to everyone who campaigned to keep the Ferry link. It is a second big blow after the axing of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link. I am calling on Scotland’s Transport Minister to step in.  The Scottish Government saved £175m when the axed G.A.R.L. Only the tiniest  fraction of this would cover the losses of £400k a year and keep the Ferry open. It is time to stop ripping off Renfrewshire.