Weymouth ferry berth repairs could start in October

Large cracks appeared in the quay which was showing signs of collapse

Repairs to a Dorset ferry terminal could start in October, according to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

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

The council said it expected to be in a position to award the building contract at the beginning of October.

Its 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 had opened up in the structure, were completed in time for the 2012 Olympic sailing events in Weymouth and Portland.

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

A spokesperson for Condor Ferries said: "We look forward to hearing about the appointment of the contractor and finding out more about the project's completion dates."