AN independent investigation is underway into the operation of the Windermere Ferry.

Opponents to the controversial on-shore ticketing system have complained to the Local Government Ombudsman, who will be looking into the procedures Cumbria County Council uses to run the service.

This is the latest development in a long-running campaign to try to get the council to reverse its decision to end the acceptance of on-board cash payments.

Campaigners are viewing this investigation as a tentative step forward in their cause.

Alex Brodie, founder of Hawkshead Brewery and opponent of the ticket machines, said: "This is an acknowledgement from an independent body that we have a case.

"It is an acknowledgement that there are serious issues concerning Cumbria County Council's management that the ombudsman feels needs looking at.

"I hope the ombudsman will help answer questions which have bewildered ferry users for the past 15 months which is why Cumbria County Council introduced and persisted with this ticketing system when it was clear to all that it doesn't work. "Why have they have actively harmed the ferry service, driving away customers. Why have they refused to listen to advice and why have they ignored and even refused to reply to complaints.

"I hope this investigation will be a step towards bringing some common sense to bear, but I am not holding my breath. Maybe CCC will ignore the ombudsman, like they have ignored everyone else."

The investigation has begun and Mr Brodie has been interviewed on behalf of the complainants.

In documents disclosed to the Gazette, the ombudsman demands evidence from the council regarding the decision-making to introduce the on-shore machines and whether the local authority considered its impact on the elderly and disabled, what it has done in response to complaints and to respond to information showing the ferry's decline in profitability.

CCC must also respond to accusations that the number of crossings made by the ferry has declined since the new ticketing system was introduced.

Cllr Ben Berry, who has helped with the campaign against the ticket machines, added: "I very much welcome the ombudsman looking into this. It was a hasty decision made without any consultations or thought of the ramifications it may have on the ferry.

"It is a step forward that the ombudsman is checking how that decision was made; it is a positive for everybody who uses the ferry.

"However our aim is to take this further and change the system back to something safe, swift, secure and available on board the ferry."

A spokesperson from Cumbria County Council said: "The council has received an inquiry from the Local Government Ombudsman in relation to the changes made to the ticketing system on the Windermere Ferry. The council is currently in the process of responding directly to the ombudsman."