Weymouth ferry berth repairs approved by councillors

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

Repairs to a Dorset ferry terminal have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Condor Ferries moved its Channel Island sailings from Weymouth to Poole in February amid structural problems which forced the closure of Weymouth Quay.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's management committee unanimously approved £2m of works to allow the quay to reopen in March 2013.

Under the plan the quay would be rebuilt and a new terminal created.

Advance works, including the removal of a walkway canopy and filling a void which has opened up in the structure, would be completed in time for the 2012 Olympic sailing events in Weymouth and Portland.

'Unable to commit'

A hoarding will also be built to screen the site from an Olympic visitor area.

A report considered by councillors said Condor Ferries was unable to commit to a date for recommencing services in Weymouth because its timetables were designed and published about five months in advance.

The authority said it was losing about £650,000 a year while Condor sailed from Poole.

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

A 2002 report for the council concluded the ferry service contributed £7.73m to the local economy.