THE decision to close the Windermere Ferry for three weeks shows “contempt for passengers and a blatant disregard for local businesses,” it has been claimed.

The ferry from Bowness to Far Sawrey, which is run by Cumbria County Council, will be out of action from March 4 to March 25 for a refit and inspection.

But Westmorland Conservatives leader Cllr James Airey blasted the move and said the work should have taken place during the ferry’s recent six month shutdown after an engine fire.

“The failure of our Labour and Lib Dem county council to schedule this work last year when the ferry was crawling with engineers shows contempt for passengers and a blatant disregard for local businesses hoping to use next month and the start of the tourist season to begin making up for last year’s lost summer,” said Cllr Airey.

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“People are rightly fed up of hearing the council’s convoluted excuses and buck-passing to other organisations.

“The simple fact is that if they had got their act together, this latest disruption could have been avoided.”

However, a CCC spokesperson explained that the work, which will cost approximately £150,000, was unable to be completed during that previous period of inaction due to the timing of the inspection requirements and available budget, and it was now important to carry out the work before the main tourist season got underway.

“We recognise that the ferry being out of service creates an inconvenience for the many people – locals and visitors alike – who use it,” said Cllr Keith Little, CCC cabinet member for Highways and Transport

“The five-yearly inspection and refit is essential work that will ensure the ferry is in top condition ahead of the busy summer season.”

The ferry, named Mallard, which can carry 15 cars and more than 100 passengers, will be inspected by licensing body the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The licence requires a five yearly out of water inspection which includes a review of the mechanical, electrical and operational records.

The work will also include installing an emergency access platform to provide a safe means of evacuating passengers in an emergency and the vessel will also undergo a full re-paint, new graphics, rust treatment and the installation of a new PA system.

CC said once this is completed no further maintenance work was planned.