THE Teignmouth to Shaldon ferry could be running again for Christmas, if an emergency plan is approved.

Shaldon in particular is suffering economically since the service – the oldest in the country – stopped when the operator quit, saying it was unviable, and the owner, Teignbridge Council, failed to find anybody else to take it on.

There has been anger in both communities over the loss, and now the Teignmouth and Shaldon councils want to hammer out a deal with Teignbridge for a temporary resumption.

Teignmouth town councillors heard on Tuesday from Greg Allen, one of the two now redundant ferryman, that they would be more than willing to operate the ferry for at least the festive period.

He explained that the previous operator, James Trout, still held the passenger licence to operate the service and was happy to let them skipper the boat.

'Two of us were put out of work, and I am desperate to earn some money. I am self employed, so could run the ferry for a time.'

Cllr David Cox proposed that Teignmouth and Shaldon councils should combine to take over the ferry temporarily until a new operator could be found.

The councils could take out public liability insurance and be responsible for the service, employing the two former ferrymen on a self employed basis.

In the long term, Cllr Cox suggested that a community interest company took take over the ferry if nobody from the private sector came forward.

Cllr Terry Falcao warned that a lot of legal and financial details would need to be carefully considered before the service could be started up again, and it was essential to have the co-operation of Teignbridge.

Cllr Geoff Bladon believed the ferry could be running again 'tomorrow morning' if the rescue plan was approved, but Cllr David Weekes was concerned about 'wet nursing' one business with a subsidy, when there many other firms that needed help.

Shaldon councillor Chris Clarance said he would report back to his parish council, and it was agreed to arrange a meeting with all the parties concerned early next week.