Free boat trips at The Mere in Ellesmere this Saturday to celebrate new jetties

Shropshire Council is celebrating the construction of two new jetties at The Mere in Ellesmere by offering local residents a free boat ride or free hire of a rowing boat this Saturday (30 July 2016).

The two new jetties are located on opposite sides of The Mere with one at The Boathouse restaurant and the other in Penley Woods near Dead Man’s Island.

On Saturday people can board The Lady Katherine from either jetty from 12noon onwards, or hire a rowing boat for half an hour from The Boathouse jetty throughout the day.

The free boat trips and boat hire have been made possible thanks to a generous donation from The Friends of The Mere.

Funding for the new jetties was received earlier this year from the Tesco Bags Of Help Project, a community fund administered by Groundwork UK which utilises funds raised from the 5p plastic bag charge. Votes cast by Ellesmere residents saw Shropshire Council receive £12,000 to pay for the two new jetties.

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“We were delighted to receive the funding from Tesco that made these two new jetties possible. The offer of a free boat ride or free rowing boat hire is to say a big thank you to local residents for their support.”

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Councillor for Ellesmere Urban said:

“Having these two new jetties has really enhanced what we can offer to visitors to The Mere and to Ellesmere. In particular, people can now climb aboard the Lady Katherine at either side of The Mere, sail across and then walk back, or go all the way round.”

The Lady Katherine will be operating throughout the school summer holidays offering a regular service across The Mere. The rowing boats will also be available throughout the summer.

For further details contact Shaun Burkey, Country Parks & Sites Officer on 01691 624448.

Note to editors

There will be a photograph/interview opportunity in relation to this story at 12noon on Thursday 28 July – at the jetty near to The Boathouse.