BUSINESS and tourism leaders have expressed their “disappointment” after learning Poole Harbour will lose its year round Condor Ferries service.

Ferry bosses announced yesterday the regular fast ferry Channel Islands and St Malo service would be returning to Weymouth on July 17 next year.

The service moved to Poole in February after cracks appeared in the harbour walls at Weymouth, where Condor pumps an estimated £7 million a year into the local economy.

So while civic leaders were left counting lost revenue in Weymouth, the additional crossings along the coast were welcomed by Poole’s business community.

Following the latest Condor Ferries statement, Poole Tourism Partnership chairman Bruce Grant-Braham, said: “I’m obviously disappointed because I understand they have done very well with their loadings out of Poole since they have been here.

“It has been very good for our guest houses and hotels and it has been remarkable how many people have been staying over.”

However, he appreciated that Condor would be saving expensive fuel costs by operating out of Weymouth, which was closer to the Channel Islands. “It is regrettable, but I can see there might be some business sense in doing that,” he told the Daily Echo.

Compared with last year, Poole Condor sailings have doubled to 242 and passenger numbers increased from 74,000 to 190,000, providing a welcome shot-in-the-arm for the local economy.

Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce president Lucy Cooper said: “Although we are sad to say goodbye to the Condor, it was great to have the opportunity to host them and the experience has proved that Poole and its thriving port has the capability to accommodate businesses under varying circumstances.”

Condor Ferries sailings will continue to operate from Poole Harbour, but at a reduced rate compared to the past eight months.

Condor operations director Capt Fran Collins said: “We continue to liaise closely with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council regarding the planned works to the harbour wall and are pleased to confirm that we will be returning to operating regular sailings from Weymouth next summer, subject to the works being completed.”

Capt Collins said: “We know that many of our customers like to book their travel in advance, so our 2013 schedules will be available later this week, with passengers able to book sailings up to November 2013.”

Timeline

February 2012: The Channel Islands and St Malo services moved to Poole after cracks appeared in the harbour walls at Weymouth.

July 2012: Weymouth and Portland Borough Council ordered £240,000 advance works to be carried out to stabilise the ferry berth.

July 2012: These works were completed on time and under budget.

October 2012: Weymouth and Portland Borough Council appoints a contractor to carry out the £4million repair works, which are due to start at the end of this month

November 12, 2012: Condor Ferries announce they will return to operate regular sailings from Weymouth from July 17 2013