CUMBRIA County Council does not yet know when the Windermere car ferry will be back in full operation.

In May, dozens of passengers and vehicles were evacuated from the vessel after smoke started billowing from the engine room.

A multi-agency rescue operation brought everyone on board to safety and the ferry was nursed back to shore.

Since then, however, there has been no car ferry, with Windermere Lakes Cruises providing a service to carry pedestrians and cyclists across the lake.

At a meeting of the council today (June 21), Cllr Ben Berry asked for an update on the situation.

Cllr Keith Little, cabinet member for highways and transport, said the damage was still being assessed before a choice was made on whether the engine could be repaired or would need replacing.

"Following the fire, our team has been working with insurers and conducting safety investigations," he said.

"There is some significant damage to the engine and electrical systems.

"While we all want the ferry back in operation as quickly as possible, it's important we ensure we have a safe boat.

"I am not able to provide a firm timetable for the ferry returning to operation."