Cumbria County Council is being asked to review the controversial Windermere Ferry ticket machines at its first meeting since the elections in May.

A motion to full council is being presented by newly elected Windermere councillor, Ben Berry who has been involved in a community campaign for a rethink on the machines.

The Ferry Ticket Machines were installed in June 2016 by Cumbria County Council Council, however users struggled to use the new system.

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Despite vocal complaint, the number of ticket machines was increased and the council hired temporary staff to help customers use the machines.

Commenting on the motion Ben said: "The Council urgently needs to rethink the ferry ticket machines.

"They are a complete waste of money and are a significant detriment to what was and should be a wonderful asset for our community. The council can no longer stick its head in the sand and ignore common sense."

Letters in the Westmorland Gazette have claimed that the ticket machines are not only causing anger and frustration but are also reducing the crossings the ferry is taking as tickets are being bought and checked prior to boarding.

This means that the service which used to run to an informal timetable can no longer be relied upon.

Jennifer Slee is a user of the ferry and started a petition that has attracted thousands of signatures.

She said: "So far the council have either ignored our calls for change or treated us with contempt. It is high time they listened to what everyone is saying and work with us to come up with a system that suits all needs."

The full motion, which will be discussed at council in Kendal on June 29 reads: “The Council acknowledges that the Windermere Ferry is not only a fantastic asset for the people of Windermere but also the wider County and the many visitors we receive each year.

"However, the newly installed Windermere Ferry Ticket Machines have proven to be a less than favourable customer experience.

"We recognise the need to undertake a member led review into the current ferry operations with the key aims of identifying a payment solution which is swift, secure, and available on board whilst also safeguarding the income which the Ferry generates."