SAFETY concerns have forced ferry crossings to be moved from Weymouth.

Condor Ferries has transferred its Channel crossings to Poole because of structural changes in the wall of Weymouth Harbour, where the ferry is berthed.

The ferry firm said the move is a ‘short term measure’ but a spokesman could not confirm when sailings will return to Weymouth A spokesman for the company said the services for this weekend and Monday had definitely been moved and a decision about sailings after that would be taken at a later date.

Emergency work will now be carried out to make repairs to the harbour wall.

Concerns were raised by Condor and Weymouth Harbour after movement in the wall structure was spotted.

Detailed investigations are being made into the structure of the berth and specialist divers were called in to begin investigations yesterday.

Andy Cooke, president of the Weymouth and Portland Cham-ber of Commerce, said the Condor link to the Channels Islands and France is crucial for the town.

“If it were long term, anything that jeopardises the Condor route from Weymouth is a serious concern for the town.

“However, if Condor are saying it’s a short term measure one would assume that it is short-term measure and they are going to come back soon.”

The first crossing to be affected by the move is on Friday.

Passengers will travel from Weymouth but will have to return to Poole at a later time.

People with ferry bookings are being contacted by Condor about the port change and are being given help to change their travel plans.

Captain Fran Collins, operations director at Condor, said: “The safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority and we have taken this step to help sustain our lifeline ferry services between the Channel Islands and the UK.

“We are working closely with Weymouth Harbour to understand the extent of this issue and are in close cooperation with Poole Harbour Commissioners to make sure the change of port goes as smoothly as possible.”

Council environment and sustainability spokesman Councillor Ian Roebuck said the decision to move ferry crossings to Poole was taken because ‘public safety is paramount’.

He added: “As a matter of urgency we are now working with specialist consultants and contractors to carry out immediate repairs so that Condor Ferries can return as soon as possible while we also examine long term solutions to solve any residual problems.

“We are confident that investigations and remedial work mean that Condor Ferries will be able to return soon and ensure it is operational for the Olympics and beyond.”

“Public safety is paramount and we have been working with Condor Ferries; as a result the decision has been made to move ferry service operations to Poole temporarily so that remedial work can be carried out.”

A Condor spokesman said services later this month will be reviewed during next week once further feedback on the harbour wall structure is available.

Affected sailings are: Friday, February 17 – ferry departs Weymouth at 10am as originally scheduled and the return will be to Poole, not Weymouth with a slightly later arrival at 7.45pm.

Sunday February 19 and Monday February 20 – the ferry departs Poole half an hour earlier at 9.30am and will return to Poole at 7.45pm.

£7.7m economy boost

THE managing director of Condor quashed rumours that the company would pull out of Weymouth in 2008.

David Habord told borough councillors the company had ‘no intention’ of leaving Weymouth and intends to stay for ‘many years’.

Councillors met with Condor Ferries management to review the viability of the business’s long-term future in 2004.

Weymouth’s ferry operation faced an uncertain future when it was revealed that six developers had expressed in transforming the Pavilion site, including the ferry terminal and port.

In the same year a report revealed that Condor contributes more than £7.7million a year to the economy of Weymouth and Portland.