I HAVE recently been requested by the Lib Dems to sign a petition to 'sack Northern' for their incompetent operation of the Oxenholme to Windermere branch line.

It is time for another petition; to sack Cumbria County Council for its disastrous operation of the Windermere ferry. For a key transport link to be out of action for many months is an embarrassment to the region, and a potential disaster for many local businesses.

But remember that this is on top of the ticket machine fiasco which reduced service levels, increased costs and caused huge inconvenience to locals and tourists alike.

Compare the ferry 'service' with the service provided by Windermere Lake Cruises, with their customer friendly staff, efficient ticketing and boats without, to my knowledge, any major breakdowns.

It is time to find an operator who can run the ferry service efficiently and reliably. No doubt there are issues concerning public service pension costs, but these need to be overcome in the interests of both residents and visitors.

Richard Bird

Windermere