RESIDENTS have backed the call for a new Condor Ferries service from Weymouth.

There has been a strong show of support among members of the public after it emerged that the boss of Condor Ferries visted Weymouth for a meeting with council officials.

A faesibility study is currently being carried out to determine whether there is a realistic chance for a Channel Islands crossing to be revived.

Condor Ferries, which previously provided a link to the Channel Islands and France, switched its services to Poole in 2015 after Weymouth port was deemed unsuitable for its larger ferry, and required £10 million worth of investment to make it viable.

The former borough council had spent £4 million refurbishing a berth, but Condor required a larger berth which needed a major upgrade.

With Condor’s departure the council lost £750,000 a year in harbour income and the local economy suffered a major blow as passengers headed to Poole.

Dorset Echo: The Condor ferry that used to run from WeymouthThe Condor ferry that used to run from Weymouth

Dorset Council has given Weymouth Town Council until June 2022 to carry out the study, which will establish whether the Peninsula can be used for a ferry service.

Officials in Guernsey are said to have "great appetite" for the proposal.

Yesterday we asked readers to share their views in an opinion poll - and results so far show strong support for a new Condor Ferries service from Weymouth.

At the time of writing, just over 900 votes had been cast - with 90 per cent in favour of bringing back the ferry.

It would be a major economy boost for Weymouth which was a ferry port for decades and has suffered without passengers coming and going on the ships.

But is there a realistic chance that a service could be revived?

At the time of writing, 72 per cent of you thought so:


There's still time to cast your vote or have your say in the comments.