CORNWALL Council says it has stepped in to help keep essential ferry services running.

As people have been observing Covid-19 travel restrictions, the number of journeys on the Bodinnick Ferry and the Polruan passenger ferry has dropped dramatically.

The two ferrries provide vital transport links for key workers needing to cross the Fowey River, but operators say their viability has been threatened by the crisis.

While the Bodinnick Ferry saves a road journey of around 16 miles via Lostwithiel, the Polruan passenger ferry is an essential access route for residents on foot or using public transport.

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for Transport Geoff Brown said: ’We have responded to requests from the ferry companies to step in and safeguard these services which are vital for key workers and the emergency services.

’We will be claiming the grant back from the Government but have decided to step in and act immediately to ensure they keep running.’

The local authority is also putting financial support in place for the King Harry Ferry which provides a link to The Roseland Peninsula.