Route closed as ferry is repaired

Reedham Ferry will be out of service for up to six weeks during repairs

Drivers who use a ferry to cross the River Yare in Norfolk face a 30-mile diversion for the next four to six weeks as the vessel is sent for checks.

Regulations mean the chain ferry at Reedham has to be put in dry dock for an inspection every three years.

Gearboxes will be overhauled and the winches repaired at Newson's boatyard in Oulton Broad near Lowestoft.

Reedham Ferry is the only crossing over the River Yare, and alternative routes run via Norwich or Great Yarmouth.

'Better for everybody'

The ferry was taken out of service on Monday and will be towed to the boatyard on the high tide on Tuesday morning.

David Archer, owner of the Reedham Ferry Complex, said: "Most of the staff here will be down at the boatyard giving them a hand.

"Naturally as soon as we can get it out of the water, cleaned up sorted out back again, the better for everybody.

"For the clients, unfortunately they'll just have to go round, but it does make them appreciate it when the ferry's not here."