The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport has asked officers to scrutinise the business case for a £500,000 county council contribution to secure the future of the West Lynn Ferry in King's Lynn.

The Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, which is responsible for managing and maintaining the ferry, has approached the county council for the funding. Around £1.8m is needed in total for essential repairs, with £800,000 already secured through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.

The ferry, which has been in operation since 1285, carries around 25,000 passengers a year between West Lynn and King's Lynn town centre. Supporters argue it provides a reliable sustainable transport link, reduces car traffic into the town and supports local employment and tourism.

The Cabinet Member visited the ferry in person and has asked the borough council to provide further detail on its proposals before any decision is made. No commitment to funding has yet been given.

Two councillors raised the issue at the August cabinet meeting, with Cllr Alexandra Kemp describing the ferry as outstripping the bus for reliability and frequency during rush hour, and calling on the county council as Passenger Transport Authority to provide match-funding for the landing stage replacement.

The county council said it has previously supported efforts to keep the ferry running and maintain transport connections across the River Great Ouse, but that responsibility for the service sits with the borough council.