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 | | Thursday, 2 May, 2002, 11:00 GMT 12:00 UK Threat to ancient river ferry  The ferry is only one of two remaining in the world A 400-year-old ferry crossing over the river Severn could close as the owners struggle to find the money for a new boat. The Hampton Loade ferry near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, is believed to be one of only two of its kind remaining in the world. The owners need �7,000 to replace the existing boat, which takes walkers across the Severn. Operator Darren Page said that various money-making schemes are being tried to raise the cash, including an ale being served at a local pub.
"We need to get a new boat," said Mr Page. "This one's all right for the summer season. "But we've had floods this weekend and now the river has come up about seven feet and it's a bank holiday weekend. "I don't know what's going to happen." The ferry, attached to a cable across the river, has no power but uses the current to pull it across to the opposite bank. Mr Page is still hopeful of raising the �7,000 required. "We've got a lot of projects on the go already," he said. "We're selling ferryman's ale at one of the local pubs and a pottery firm has supplied us with mugs with the ferry on them, which we are selling along with our own art work." | |   See also: Top England stories now:  Links to more England stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||
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