PROPOSALS for a new cross-Channel ferry service from Weymouth have moved a step closer after councillors agreed to back recommendations.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s management committee discussed adopting a number of measures to support plans for operator High Speed Ferries to launch twice-daily crossings to Cherbourg from next April.

Councillors were told negotiations are continuing between the council and the ferry operator, which expects the new service to create around 90 jobs.

The committee agreed recommendations from the council’s Harbour Management Board.

These included retaining the restricted area at Weymouth port for a ferry service and keeping on staff until March 31 next year.

Councillors also agreed to sign off approval for the operating agreement for the service and approve a number of commitments put forward by the Harbour Master in support of the proposed service.

The new service would provide a welcome boost to the town following the departure of Condor Ferries, which relocated its cross-Channel services to Poole earlier this year as Weymouth was unable to accommodate its new larger vessel.

Discussing the recommendations, Cllr Ian Bruce referred to recent problems experienced by Condor. There have been problems with its new vessel which have led to numerous cancellations.

Last month, an overbooking error led to passenger protests.

Cllr Bruce said: “We’re making great progress and negotiations are hard-nosed between the council and High Speed Ferries as the ferry operator.

“When people ask why we did not spend £10m to keep Condor Ferries operating from the town, we have to look at what has happened to Condor’s larger vessel in recent months.”

The proposals put forward for the new ferry service include a three-year contract from April 1, 2016 that will see twice-daily summer crossings to Cherbourg and a lighter winter service.

It is estimated services will carry around 266,000 passengers a year and 91,000 cars.

Cllr Mike Byatt said: “All our discussions are meaningless if we can’t deliver this service.

“We are all hopeful that these ongoing conversations will reach a satisfactory conclusion.”

Councillors also considered an update from the Harbour Management Board, which stated that a layout for the port was close to being agreed with the Border Force and staff had addressed matters such as planning issues and advertising consents.

The report also said that High Speed Ferries were looking to lease a ship for this operation and are in discussion with a number of organisations.

No costs had been incurred by the council to date, other than staff time.