Standard reports significant objections from residents and rowing clubs
CGI of the ferry service boats and terminals. Picture: TfL and Beckett Rankine
The Evening Standard is reporting that hopes that a ferry serving people who would normally have used Hammersmith Bridge may not now be operational in time for the new school term.
There have been a significant number of objections to the proposal for the ferry between Barnes and Hammersmith from clubs that use the river for rowing and sailing. They believe that the ferries which will be operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers will present a hazard to people using the river for sport.
The original plan had been to have the ferry operational by September but the number of objections is believed to have resulted in the council delaying making a decision.
A around 650 residents have written to Richmond Council to urge it to grant planning permission for a pier in Barnes with about 35 objections mainly from clubs and members of clubs who use the river for sport. Richmond has not set a date for the application to be considered.
There is more opposition from residents of Hammersmith & Fulham and it is likely the borough planning committee will not consider the temporary pier on the north side until September.
Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park said, “I very much hope Hammersmith and Fulham council make a decision on the pier in the shortest possible timescale so we can get this up and running.”
Conservative Nick Rogers, who represents South West London on the London Assembly has said that Hammersmith and Fulham must bring the planning meeting forward by a month adding, “On the current timetable, if Hammersmith and Fulham don’t agree to do this, getting the ferry operational [in September] is looking challenging, to say the least.”
Helen Pennant Rea, of Hammersmith Bridge SOS campaign group, told The Standard that the ferry would provide an “absolutely vital community facility and to go some way to alleviate the suffering experienced by thousands of people”.
Hopes that a partial opening of the bridge to pedestrian and cyclists could also happen soon also appear to be receding. The Standard says that a key report by engineers has yet to be completed and is unlikely to be considered by councillors for a month.
Ms Olney said, “I’m still very much hoping that report will be positive and it will be adopted and get the bridge restored for pedestrians and cyclists in time for the schools reopening.”
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July 13, 2021
