The 1970s economic situation in Britain saw costs escalating, with funding limited by the MPTE, which was embarking on an expensive operation to construct the Merseyrail "Liverpool Loop" extension. Compounded with the opening of the Kingsway road tunnel on 28 June 1971 and a further decline in passenger numbers (only 4,000-5,000 a day), the future of the service was uncertain. It was sentimental, rather than economical grounds which resulted in the retention of the ferries, after much public protest to keep them. However, service frequency was reduced, with ferry fares being linked to bus and rail fares. During this period, maintenance on the ferries was limited considerably, with the "Woodchurch" being laid up as a salvage for parts for "Mountwood" and "Overchurch". At this time, the large brass helm from "Overchurch" was damaged and was replaced by that from "Woodchurch". After the damaged helm was repaired, it was placed on "Woodchurch". This has remained the case, even after both vessels were extensively rebuilt.