The Gravesend to Tilbury ferry service will run from a different place until further notice after the pontoon that leads to the vessel from Gravesend Town Pier was damaged.

The ferry service was initially suspended on Tuesday, June 6 but started running again on Monday, this time from West Street Pier a few metres along the riverside.

Jetstream Tours, which runs the service across the River Thames to Essex, apologised to customers.

Pier owners Gravesham council stopped the public going on to the pontoon after declaring it unsafe.

A statement posted on Jetstream Tour’s website at the weekend said: “Ferry service will resume on Monday. This follows an emergency suspension of the service due to the closure of Gravesend Town Pier.

“Whilst Gravesend Town Pier will remain closed for a few more weeks, the ferry will divert to West Street Pier.

The ferry will remain at West Street until the town pier re-opens.

“Jetstream Tours would like to thank everyone for their patience and we look forward to greeting you back onboard from Monday.

“A special thanks goes to the Lower Thames and Medway Passenger Boat Company for allowing us to continue operations from their pier.”

Kent County Council confirmed between 30 and 40 pupils use the ferry service every day – most going to Gravesend Grammar School.

The council believed anyone wishing to travel between Gravesend and Tilbury by bus would need to change at least twice.

Shortly after last week’s ferry suspension a KCC spokesman said: “We apologise for any inconvenience and we are looking at what we can do to offer an alternative service.”

Last week Geoff Wybar, head teacher at Gravesend Grammar School, said: “The problems with the Gravesend/Tilbury ferry have had no impact on attendance of students.

“It is pleasing that families are doing everything they can in difficult circumstances to ensure attendance at school.”

Jetstream Tours took over as operator of the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry on Tuesday, May 2 and will continue to make about 120,000 journeys each year.

The service, operated on behalf of KCC and Thurrock council from Monday to Saturday all year around, was previously run by the Lower Thames and Medway Passenger Boat Company.

Riva bar on the town pier is open as usual.