THE Teignmouth and Shaldon ferry may continue to run temporarily while its long-term future is decided.

And now Teignmouth and Shaldon town and parish councillors are asking for round-table talks about the situation.

Teignbridge Council wants to sell the ferry but its hands have been tied by an objection from Shaldon Parish Council.

That objection will now be determined by the Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, but the council has no way of knowing how long he will take to make up his mind.

The council is caught in a time crunch – current operator James Trout has announced his intention to quit at the end of the season. The council faces a choice between running it itself, suspending the service, or finding a short-term solution.

On Monday, the executive committee will decide whether to lease it out annually, pending a decision from government on whether the sale can proceed.

Members will also be recommended to ask the Secretary of State to be as speedy as possible with his decision.

Meanwhile, objectors have collected more than 600 signatures on a petition organised by Sean Brogan.

He said that was 'a lot considering there was only one signing point. The interest is very high.'

A sub-committee of councillors from Teignmouth Town Council and Shaldon Parish Council met this week to try to find a way forward.

It has now written to council leader Cllr Alan Connett and chief executive Nicola Bulbeck, asking for a meeting.