Combined March 26 jw v2 - Flipbook - Page 6
Hayling Herald News
Hayling to the Witterings ferry
HAYLING is to get a second ferry, linking the Island to the Witterings,
thanks to a young entrepreneur.
Patrick White, founder of Chichester Harbour Charters, will run the 15
minute route from Sparkes Marina across the East Head from April until
October.
It will cut out the need to travel along the busy A27 from Portsmouth
and potentially create a link from Warsash through Bosham, just by using
the ferries. Patrick, who has been a member of Hayling Island Sailing Club
since he was nine, cannot wait to get started.
The 30-year-old accomplished sailor and powerboat racer, said: ‘I’ve always loved being on the water and I’ve worked on super yachts in the Med
but Chichester Harbour is where my heart is. I wanted to do something
that I could do for a living that would also benefit other people and this is
it.’
The first journeys will begin on the Easter weekend and go from the marina, around the top of Winner Bank and across to East Head, in the West
Witterings. Patrick added: ‘We are going to be running from 9am until
7pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday (including bank holidays) initially, and
if the demand is there we will extend to seven days a week. Prices are going
to be; £8 single, £12 return and £1 per bicycle. We will also be offering
promotional discounts and group save tickets. I’ve always wanted to start
my own company in the harbour. This will be the perfect way to link up the
King Charles Footpath (see below).
‘It is a big financial commitment but sometimes you’ve just got to roll the
dice! In the winter I’ll go away and do something else. I’m not dependent
on it going all year round.’
The ferry was built on Hayling in the same yard as the Hayling to Eastney
Ferry. Hayling skipper Colin Hill is delighted. He said: ‘This is something
I’ve wanted to see for a long time. I’ve been looking for someone to take on
the route and I’m so pleased it’s Patrick.
‘This will make a huge difference to traffic, because it will cut out the A27
completely.
Patrick White in the new Hayling to Witterings ferry, Chairman
‘Cyclists can cycle and get ferries all the way from Warsash, across Gosport, Eastney, Hayling, up to Itchenor and across to Bosham. And all the
way beautiful views.
‘This is so important for the Island and would be made even easier if we
had a bus linking the Hayling ferry to the new ferry – a straight journey
along the seafront. I’ve been pushing for a bus service for years. I get asked
about it every day in the summer, my passengers cannot believe that there
isn’t one.
‘It’s a two-and-a-half mile walk to Beachlands from the ferry which is a
long way, especially if you have children with you. We need the bus service
now.’
Colin put forward a proposal for two tuk tuks to carry people along the
seafront but the plan was rejected by Havant Borough Council.
He added: ‘It’s because the engines were too small to be registered for
Hackney Carriage Licenses. Unbelievable. Hopefully the second ferry will
encourage the council or a private company to look at a bus service linking
the two. This really is a golden opportunity.’
To find out more, visit chichesterharbourcharters.co.uk
King will be proud of coastal path
THE latest stretch of a world-record breaking
coastal path has been opened on our Island.
Walkers can now explore 35 miles of Chichester Harbour’s wildlife-rich coastline as Natural
England has officially opened a new stretch of
the King Charles III England Coast Path. It runs
from The Kench to East Head in The Witterings,
West Sussex, passing through saltmarshes, mudflats and Emsworth, Bosham and West Itchenor.
Combined with neighbouring sections, there
are now over 210 continuous miles of coastal
path between Calshot in Hampshire and Rye
Harbour in East Sussex. Once fully open, the
coast path will become the world’s longest managed coastal path at a total length of almost 2,700
miles.
This new section snakes around various islands
and peninsulas, taking in a mosaic of habitats.
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There are opportunities to spot seals and
internationally-important bird populations,
especially winter migrant species such as brent
geese, ringed plover, and curlew. Thorney Island
provides a quiet eight-mile loop for birdwatching
around its wild perimeter.
Edel McGurk, South East regional director for
Natural England, said: ‘The King Charles III
England Coast Path is a boost to coastal communities. Walkers bring economic benefit to the
towns and villages along the route. Not only that,
the health and wellbeing benefits of the path will
leave a legacy for the region.’
Working in partnership with Hampshire County Council and West Sussex County Council on
this section of path has created a safe way for
people to enjoy our protected landscapes, coastline, local heritage and wildlife.
The Itchenor Ferry, operating since the 17th
century, carries walkers across the Chichester
Channel. A glorious eight-mile alternative route
passes through several places of interest, including the roman palace at Fishbourne, the charming hamlet of Dell Quay, and historic Birdham.
Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for highways and
passenger transport, said: ‘It’s wonderful to see
a further stretch of the King Charles III England
Coast Path open.
‘We’re proud to have played an active role
in this fantastic project that gives people of all
ages and abilities easier access to this biodiverse
coastline.’
With warmer weather and longer days ahead,
it’s the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the fresh
air, and explore our beautiful coastal landscapes.
