CONDOR Ferries is committing its future to Weymouth for at least another 15 years.

The ferry firm is set to sign a 15-year contract to use Weymouth as its main route to and from the Channel Islands, councillors heard. It is also lining up a new vessel for the route.

The news, which came at a meeting of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, has been welcomed by business owners as a major boost for the resort.

The contract will secure Condor’s future in the town after it moved its sailings to Poole for 17 months while Weymouth’s crumbling quay was repaired in a project worth more than £4million.

As Weymouth port’s biggest customer, Condor – which returned in July – brings at least £7.7million a year to the local economy.

Condor is also planning to bring in a new vessel to sail out of Weymouth in April 2015.

Sandra Reay, a Weymouth guesthouse and cafe owner, said the news would make a ‘huge difference’ to the town.

Mrs Reay, who runs family business The Channel Guest House and Cafe Weymouth in the town centre, said the ferry company’s commitment was ‘fantastic’ news for the town.

She said: “This will help the town enormously. Condor sailing from Weymouth does make a difference to our guest house trade.

“We have so many people staying who are using the ferry, either going to the Channel Islands or coming from the Channel Islands.

“This is fantastic news, it’s got to help the town.”

Last week, Condor reported 100,000 sailing bookings have been made by guests to travel on ferries from Weymouth since the company announced its return to the town late last year.

Councillors welcomed the news at a full council meeting of the borough council.

Councillor Nic Lonsdale said it was the wish of the States of Jersey, the parliament and government of the island, to be connected through Weymouth.

He added that it is the ‘desire’ of all three interested parties to work together for the long term.

Environment director David Evans said he had been talking to the director of Condor and the firm was very keen to continue sailing from Weymouth and was looking to buy a new vessel to do so.

He added that Condor were looking to sign a 15-year contract with both Jersey and Guernsey and the borough council for the continuation of the service into the future.

After the meeting, council director of resources Jason Vaughan said: “We are having ongoing discussions with Condor Ferries to secure the company’s long-term commitment to operate from Weymouth Harbour.”

Town’s businesses welcome news

Dave Price chairman of the local hoteliers’ association, said the news was ‘brilliant’ but he was treating it with caution.

He said: “We will only see the benefit of Condor in the off-season with people coming from the Channel Islands to see family and staying.

“In the summer it’s nice for the guests to have the option to go to the Channel Islands but we will only know if we’re getting more business in the off-season and it’s too early to tell yet.”

Shaun Hennessy, owner of Blondz hair salon, said the 15 year contract was ‘fantastic’ news for Weymouth.

He said: “Condor is very well established here and a vital part of our commercial activity in the town.

“I’m sure lots of hotels and B&Bs will be benefitting immensely.

“It’s great to have Condor back and committed to the town.”