Ferry resumes after storm-damaged pontoon replaced

The ferry has been out of action after November storms battered the Mudeford Spit Pontoon

A ferry is back in action seven months after the pontoon it uses was badly damaged in winter storms.

The Mudeford Ferry was forced to stop running in late November after the tidal bridge and Mudeford Spit Pontoon were left unsafe.

Work by BCP Council to fit the new structures, which arrived by barge, started on 10 June.

The ferry, which runs between Mudeford Quay and the beach at Mudeford Sandbank, came back into service at 10:00 BST.

The new pontoon arrived by barge

Thanking users for "patiently waiting" the ferry firm said it was "great news the pontoon is completed and operational".

The firm's two catamarans Josephine and Josephine II run daily from March to late October and winter weekends, weather permitting.

Shortly after 10:00, the Sandbanks chain ferry was pulled from service due to a mechanical issue.

The chain ferry's operator said repairs were progressing and hoped to have an update on the service at 19:00.

The vessel connects Sandbanks with Studland and saves motorists from a 25-mile (40km) journey by road.