SHALDON and Teignmouth councillors are to meet on Monday to try to find a solution to the ferry crisis.

Teignbridge Council has announced its intention to sell the ferry, but the most likely buyer, the current operator, has said the figures do not add up and has served notice to quit at the end of the summer season.

James Trout says that the older of the two ferries needs to be replaced at a cost of at least £100,000, while the boat currently in service needs an expensive overhaul. There are fears that potential buyers may be deterred by the costs of buying replacement equipment just as the business enters the quiet phase of the year.

Local people are desperate to see that the ferry, which has been plying between the two seaside resorts for 1,000 years, continues.

Now Shaldon Parish Council and Teignmouth Town Council have set up a subcommittee to explore the options. They will be meeting Mr Trout on Monday.

Cllr Donald Baldey said: 'It is an important tourist attraction. We really want to see what the present holder would require to keep it going. If he can't keep it going we need to establish what we both want and how we can go forward.'

Shaldon Parish Council recently announced its opposition to the sale of the ferry. Cllr Baldey said that Teignmouth Town Council was less concerned who owned it than to make sure that it continues to run.