THE private sector is being given the chance to take over the loss making ferry service between Strangford and Portaferry on Strangford Lough.

Bids are to be invited from private sector groups, which would be expected to provide a new £2.5 million sterling ferry to replace one of the existing vessels, which is now 40 years old.

The North's Environment Minister, Mr Malcolm Moss, said the ferry service was losing £350,000 annually. The deficit is expected to be reduced by a private operator, but the British government would have to pay a subvention to make the service viable.

During the summer, up to 400 vehicles are carried each day, but this falls to about 400 in winter. There had been calls for a £20 million bridge between the two villages, but the plan was rejected by Ards Borough Council.