THE Sandbanks to Studland chain ferry is due to be back in service this week, staff have confirmed.

Motorists have been unable to use the Bramble Bush Bay service provided by The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, which is based at Shell Bay in Studland, since Tuesday, November 4.

However, staff have said that the ferry would be returned to Poole at the weekend from its refit in Southampton and should recommence sailing from Thursday, December 18.

Routine maintenance to the 48-car ferry, which has been crossing Poole Harbour between Studland and Sandbanks since 1994, takes place every two years to ensure that the company is able to continue providing the daily service.

Sue Marsh, assistant general manager of the ferry company, said: “We are still within the four to six weeks estimate that we made when we started the refit.

“We are hoping to get the ferry back into service as soon as possible, but unfortunately we are heading into some bad weather towards the end of this week, which may hinder things.”

If you would like any further information, go to facebook.com/SandbanksFerry or twitter.com/sandbanksferry