Weymouth ferry quay repair plan approved

Large cracks have appeared in the quay which is showing signs of collapse

Plans to carry out major repairs to a Dorset ferry terminal have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Condor Ferries relocated its Channel Island sailings from Weymouth to Poole in February and Weymouth's quay remains closed because of structural problems.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council approved the appointment of engineers to repair the quay wall by March 2013.

Engineers will also design new terminal buildings. Condor said it is liaising with the council on the plans.

Recommendations approved by council's management committee included the appointment of consulting engineers Atkins to carry out £2m of repairs as a priority.

The authority said it is losing about £650,000 a year while Condor is sailing to Poole.

Many businesses, in particular hotels and guest houses, have also reported a loss of trade.