VOTE: 'Nobody can save the historic Lincoln Castle paddle steamer now'
THE owner of the Lincoln Castle has told the Telegraph there is no way of saving the former Humber ferry.
Contractors have begun dismantling the derelict vessel, which is currently berthed in Grimsby, at the request of owner Colin Johnson.
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'it's not the end': Stephen Sharpe, chairman of PS Lincoln Castle Preservation Society, still says he has not given up hope of saving the vessel.
Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph on behalf of Mr Johnson, his brother Peter said attempts to save the ferry were "a lost cause".
The news has delivered a blow to the hopes of campaigners in Hull and Grimsby, including the recently formed Lincoln Castle Preservation Society, who wanted to see the vessel restored to its former glory.
Stephen Sharpe, chairman of PS Lincoln Castle Preservation Society, still says he has not given up hope of saving the vessel.
Mr Johnson said: "It is sad, but it has come to the end of its life.
"There is no chance to save it now. I admire the preservation society for what they want to do, but it is just too late.
"They have turned up in the last month and I am afraid they should have been here sooner. It is a lost cause."
Colin Johnson has hired contractors to dismantle the boat, work which is expected to take up to three months.
Mr Johnson added: "My brother is very sad about this. He has been trying to find a buyer for this for three years.
"Even the Paddle Steamers Preservation Society decided that it is too big a task and had to turn it down. We realise nobody can save it now.
The Lincoln Castle ferry
"It is now time to say farewell to a grand old lady."
Despite Mr Johnson's insistence that the vessel cannot be saved, the chairman of the Lincoln Castle Preservation Society said he has not given up hope.
Stephen Sharpe, of west Hull, said: "I will not give up until they start cutting into the structure of the boat – only then will it be game over.
"There has been so much public support. People want to save this boat."
Read more in today's Telegraph.
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by A.Grimlander, GRIMLAND destroyed
Friday, July 09 2010, 6:20AM
“Sisapon --
Regret "The following message to <**************> was undeliverable.
The reason for the problem:
5.1.0 - Unknown address error 550-"5.1.1 The email account that you tried to reach does not exist."
That was a direct reply -- no typing of addresses. Definitely not me, guv !”
by MoLincs, NEar-by
Monday, July 05 2010, 11:29PM
“Legitimised vandalism.
"The Waverley" is the example to follow which operates successfuly on the Clyde and occasionally further afield.
However, worth more as scrap there is s strong incentive to break up the vessel.
In the future people will decry the loss of such things, but Grimsby and Hull are 20 years behind the times (how much did "The Deep" cost?).
Anyway, shipbuilding and other engineering skills aren't valued, 'sport' is not involved so the vessel is as good as doomed;”
by walt.a.meattie, GRIMLAND - caring about conservation
Monday, July 05 2010, 2:50PM
“We can save you !
Caring Conservative, On holday in Bradforrd -- commented on 05-Jul-2010 14:41
O.K. It was merely a dreamed-up phrase. Your very welcome to help in the saving business:
the conservative, social, caring, contributory ownership.
...as long as it's a small 'c'. We are, after all, into conservation.”
by Caring Conservative, On holday in Bradforrd
Monday, July 05 2010, 2:41PM
“We can save you !”
by walt.a.meattie, GRIMLAND the generous
Monday, July 05 2010, 12:04PM
“Oh yes, Joshua. And a few thou of that £7M could have saved the p.s. 'Lincoln Castle' from this ignominy, while rubbing two brain cells together in the council (do they have that many -- or do I dream it?) could have achieve a safe transfer of the vessel into a social, caring, contributory ownership.”