Published: Wednesday, 27th January, 2010 12:00am

Move to block cold cut ferry axe plan

A FERRY link used by thousands of residents a year could be saved after an 11th hour bid was launched by a neighbouring council.

The Yoker ferry crossing to Renfrew - which has existed in some form for 500 years - is being recommended to be scrapped to save cash, with no replacement method of crossing at that point.

The motion is due to be voted on at a meeting of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) on Friday.

But the board - which consists of councillors from each of the 12 authorities making up the west of Scotland group, and eight appointed positions - will be asked to consider all the alternatives of saving cash or at least replacing the service.

The amendment to the agenda's recommendation to "encourage a model of more sustainable modes", by scrapping the ferry, is expected to be put forward by Renfewshire Council.

The option echoes the sentiments of SNP councillor Graeme Hendry, who last week wrote to the chairman of SPT asking him not to axe the link between the north and south banks of the Clyde.

Councillor Hendry, who represents Yoker but does not sit on the SPT board, asked Alistair Watson, SPT chair and Glasgow Labour councillor, to delay any decision until all other options short of ending the service are considered.

He stressed that efficiency savings could be made and a marketing plan to encourage more users could be put in place.

Councillor Hendry told the Post: "I believe this vital service can be saved."

The sentiments have gathered cross-party support, as Labour Yoker councillor Jean McFadden told the Post she would definitely support a stay of execution.

Councillor McFadden said: "I have asked for a survey on passenger usage to be carried out to get a clearer picture of how vital it is.

"It would be very sad to see this go as there is no bridge anywhere near."

One SPT board member who will be backing the possibility of keeping the ferry is Clydebank's William Hendrie (SNP).

He said: "I certainly don't support the option to withdraw the ferry at all.

"It is well used and something that is needed there."