The future ownership and management of Weymouth harbour are set to be discussed, as town chiefs stress the importance of a ‘long-term plan’.

The harbour management board is set to hear an update on business and finance from harbour master Keith Howarth tomorrow.

The report outlines that the loss of Condor operations had a ‘significant impact’ on the harbour budget, with a reduction of between £600,000 and £750,000 from an overall income of £1.8m. It also notes that there is no longer any other operators interested in running a cross-Channel ferry service, and that some of the ferry terminal will be redeveloped as part of plans to reinvigorate the Pavilion peninsula.

The report sets out a number of recommendations, specifically that a long-term strategy needs to be developed.

It also states: “The future ownership of the harbour needs to be considered both under the local government review and also whether there are any alternative opportunities.”

Cllr Richard Kosior, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for tourism, culture and harbour, said his understanding was that the ‘alternative opportunities’ referred to the management of the harbour. The borough council will become part of a wider unitary authority if reorganisation goes ahead.

Cllr Kosior, who has recently taken on the role, said he would be asking further questions on what the ‘opportunities’ could be.

He added that he is pleased at the progress that has been made since the departure of Condor.

“Everyone is looking and sounding optimistic - but we can’t be lulled into a false sense of security. I want to see the optimism backed up with figures.”

Of the £1.187m harbour income in 2016/17, 63 per cent came from leisure activities, such as marina berths, visiting yachts and use of slipway, while 18 per cent came from rents and licences and 14.5 per cent from commercial activities. 

There was also a ‘significant’ share of the £100,000 paid to the council partnership for the filming of blockbuster Dunkirk.

The 2016/17 expenditure was £1.518m. The report states: “There is not a financial issue for in excess of five years with diligent use of harbour reserves.”

It adds: “There has been some positive progress but there is still a long journey to achieve a balanced budget for Weymouth Harbour for the future.”

Cllr Kosior added: “Obviously there are some issues, but we have to do all we can to make sure it can work.”