A VOLUNTEER-run rowboat ferry which has been taking people across the Severn for 30 years could see its costs soar if plans by the organisation responsible for managing the country’s waterways go ahead.

The Worcester Cathedral Ferry takes people from the cathedral’s watergate and Chapter Meadows near the cricket ground on summer weekend afternoons. It could see costs rise by up to five times – to more than £1,300 a year – under plans by the Canals and River Trust (CRT).

The charity took over responsibility for managing the country’s waterways following the abolition of government quango British Waterways in 2012 and is reviewing its arrangements for business boat licences.

Mark Glossop, who set up the ferry with friend Eddie Rogers in 1983, described the consultation as “a cloud on the horizon”.

“We’ve been put in a category called skippered passenger boats, which includes all those massive 250-seat boats which go up and down the river,” he said. “Clearly we’re nothing like that.

“It’s only a consultation but we’ve put in our objections and were waiting for a response. We’ve got to keep hammering away at them to recognise a little operation for what it is.”

The ferry donates money it raises to a number of Worcestershire charities and Mr Glossop said this donation could fall dramatically if the CRT’s plans go ahead.

“Every extra pound we give them is a pound we don’t give to local charities. Every year we’ve been able to give about £600 to a number of groups, which doesn’t sound like much but it helps.

“People probably wouldn’t give us money if they thought it would go to the CRT and I don’t think the volunteers would turn up if they thought it would only make more money for them.”

Describing the proposals as “off-beam”, Mr Glossop said his operation was being treated as a competitor to the larger operators.

“Even the guy who runs the commercial ferry doesn’t think we’re a competitor and we quite often point people to him,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a no-brainer really. We’re not going to go down without a fight.”

A spokesman from the CRT said the consultation closed at the end of July and decisions would be published by the end of August, with the new system to come into place in April 2014.

He said feedback from the cathedral ferry would be taken into account in considering a course of action.