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Chance to rent Spalding Water Taxi




Spalding’s Water Taxi service will not be able to return until 2022 - but people will be able to hire its boats for cruises along the River Welland.

The service usually shuttles shoppers between the town centre and Springfields - but it was one of many things forced to pause as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ongoing Covid restrictions mean it’s not yet possible to revive the popular service. However, operators have now come up with a solution for 2021 - with users able to make use of the boats by hiring them for their family or ‘bubble’ from Saturday, May 1.

Anthony Grunwell and dog Archie with one of the Spalding Water Taxis. (46141638)
Anthony Grunwell and dog Archie with one of the Spalding Water Taxis. (46141638)

Operations manager Anthony Grunwell said: “It’s very very sad that we can’t operate as usual. We wanted to start again, but it’s going to be 2022 before we do that.

“We are by no means finished. I am looking forward to 2022 when we can start the water taxi up again.

“We wanted to try to organise a self drive service because it’s good for people to have a safe activity to do on the river.”

‘Self drive’ boats were hired out to users before the pandemic - but the absence of the water taxi service now means there are four boats available to book and use.

People can pick the boats up from Locksmill House in Little London - where the car park has been revamped thanks to support from the Red Lion Hotel.

Mr Grunwell says the boats are simple to handle for novices - and he provides instructions to people before they take to the water.

He explained: “I give a little bit of coaching and they are very easy to operate. The most important thing is common sense and being sensible.”

It’s possible to head along the River Welland into Spalding or down to Crowland. Untrained operators cannot use the Coronation Channel.

Mr Grunwell added: “It’s about getting out and enjoying the fresh air, wildlife and each others’ company.”

Two-hour evening cruises cost £65, a four-hour pass is £100 and a full-day cruise is £160. Mr Grunwell already has a lot of bookings and says the service could run until the end of October, depending on the weather and demand.

Book by calling 07740664017 or contact Mr Grunwell via Spalding Water Taxi’s Facebook page or by emailing discoverspalding@btconnect.com



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