THE future of the country's oldest ferry service – across the Teign – is in doubt.A boat has been crossing the estuary for more than 1,000 years but now the current operator is quitting.He says there is too much uncertainty because the owner, Teignbridge Council, wants to sell the ferry operation under its 'disposal of assets' policy.And James Trout points out that the older, reserve boat is beyond economic repair, and it would cost at least £100,000 to replace it.The chairman of Shaldon Parish Council, Cllr Prof Peter Williams, said the loss of the service would be 'an absolute disaster' for the village because of the economic benefits it brings.Now the parish council has linked up with Teignmouth Town Council to try and ensure the service is kept going, and Cllr Williams has also protested to the department of transport because an act of parliament requires Teignbridge to provide a ferry service.Mr Trout has operated the ferry business under a 20-year Teignbridge lease for more than ten years, but has given notice that he intends to relinquish it at the end of the summer season.'It is very sad, and I only took the decision after a lot of consideration. Basically, it is because of the uncertainty of the future if Teignbridge sell.'I cannot prepare a five-year ­business plan, or do any forward ­ planning,' said Mr Trout. 'There is a big question mark over the future, and my accountant has advised me not to continue. I would like to acquire the business, but it could cost up to a quarter-of-a-million pounds, and then £100,000 would also have to be found for a new vessel.'The figures do not stack up, especially in the current economic climate, and the banks would not even consider financing a deal on that basis. 'I doubt if anybody will be rushing to acquire the ferry because so much money needs spending, and the returns are just not enough.'He added: 'We make very little profit after all the overheads, but I love running the ferry, and it is a service to the community. It is a way of life for me, and an important part of the life of Teignmouth and Shaldon.'Cllr Williams said the ferry was a big tourist attraction and brought thousands of visitors to the village.The parish council had neither the staff nor finance to take over the ferry, and in a letter to Teignbridge he declared: 'We believe that private ownership would not be a satisfactory solution, and that Teignbridge, with its broad remit for community and business care, should retain responsibility for the ferry.'he urged the authority to carry out a new tender procedure to recruit 'a new enthusiastic operator who can provide an excellent and highly profitable service for his own benefit, and the community'.Teignmouth councillor Sylvia Russell agreed 'it was 'absolutely essential' the ferry kept going, and the town council was setting up a meeting with Shaldon to establish a joint campaign.The first recorded ferry across the Teign was in the tenth century and the service now operates every day of the year, apart from Christmas day.The smaller craft, T&S2, was built in 1908 for £27.11s.3d, and is the oldest working ferry in the country. The main vessel, T&S4, has been in service since 1947.A district council spokesman said: 'Executive approval was granted last year for disposal of the ferry rights and equipment, providing a good opportunity for private sector investment.'We are seeking to identify a new business owner who will continue to operate it independently and, consequently, remove the cost of maintenance and repair from local taxpayers.'The council has formally advertised disposal of the ferry over a period of several months and only one objection has been received – from Shaldon Parish Council.'Teignbridge is unable to sell the rights unless the parish council withdraws its objection.'