I refer to the article ‘Safety concern as Condor moves out’ (Echo, Feb 16).

There has been a problem caused by the downward thrust from both variable controlled pitch propellers and waterjet action for many years, not only here in Weymouth, but in other harbours such as Poole.

Large blocks of Purbeck stone had to be laid along the length of the ferry terminal in Poole Harbour many years ago to prevent bases of piles being undermined. When I was appointed port manager and harbour master in 1985, a harbour survey indicated the position of very large holes immediately under the areas beneath the propellers of Sealink British Ferry vessels using the linkspan berth.

Large slabs of concrete were laid at the bottom of theses holes to minimise the effects of water pressure eroding the sea bed, and from then on a careful watch was kept on the piles and quays at No. 3 berth.

The harbour was dredged to 5.2m in 1988 from the ferry steps and out to the harbour entrance.

There has been no major dredging since those bygone days.

Condor has an agreement to operate from this port, for which they pay a considerable sum of money to the owners of the harbour – Weymouth and Portland Borough Council .

That income together with harbour dues received from every other type of craft must amount to many hundreds of thousands of pounds.

However, it appears that it has been swallowed up into a general income account and not used to maintain the harbour.

One has to ask why?

One only has to look at handrails around the harbour, some of which are holed and showing years of neglect.

Perhaps this is a ‘wake-up call’ in the Olympic year? Or is it fodder for yet more adverse publicity in the national press?

PC Tambling

Sutton Road

Sutton Poyntz

(ex-Weymouth harbourmaster)