THE Sandbanks to Studland chain ferry is due to be back in service next week, staff have confirmed.

Motorists have been unable to use the Bramble Bush Bay service provided by The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, which is based at Shell Bay in Studland, since Tuesday, November 4.

However, staff have said that the ferry would be returned to Poole at the weekend from its refit in Southampton and should recommence sailing from Thursday, December 18.

Routine maintenance to the 48-car ferry, which has been crossing Poole Harbour between Studland and Sandbanks since 1994, takes place every two years to ensure that the company is able to continue providing the daily service.

Sue Marsh, assistant general manager of the ferry company, said: “We are still within the four to six weeks estimate that we made when we started the refit.

“We are hoping to get the ferry back into service as soon as possible, but unfortunately we are heading into some bad weather towards the end of this week, which may hinder things.

“We will continue to keep people updated via our Twitter and Facebook pages and we hope to have the service back as soon as we can.”

Passengers on the number 50 Purbeck Breezer bus service provided by more bus company have seen their transport re-directed between Bournemouth and Swanage via the A351.

Major resurfacing works, costing £280,000 were also scheduled at the same time as the ferry refit by Borough of Poole and were completed by Wednesday, December 3.

John Rice, engineering manager for Borough of Poole, thanked residents for their patience while the strengthening and resurfacing road works were carried out over four weeks.

He added: “This is the last major road project to be undertaken in the town in this financial year and we are pleased that the works have been completed before the ferry resumes operation after its winter overhaul.”

For more information, go to facebook.com/SandbanksFerry or twitter.com/sandbanksferry