“Disappointed” Poole will be left without a passenger ferry service from the beginning of October after Brittany Ferries withdrew its fast craft a month early.

With the conventional ferry Barfleur ceasing its run to Cherbourg on October 3, there will be no passenger ferries to France for the rest of the year – only the freight service Cotentin.

The company has blamed the economic climate for the withdrawal of the Normandie Vitesse/Express Poole service.

Regular passengers such as Richard Robinson, who will have to travel to Portsmouth to get a ferry, said he was “shocked and disappointed” but said the schedules did not allow for reasonable day trips, as in the past.

There is a question over whether the Barfleur will return next year. The year-round service was axed in spring last year after 17 years and reinstated this year to run from February to October.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners said: “Poole Harbour Commissioners are disappointed that Brittany Ferries have decided to terminate the fast ferry operation earlier than expected this year, however we also recognise that the service has to be profitable and we understand the reality of the current economic climate within Europe. We look forward to welcoming the service back again in 2012.”

Cllr Xena Dion, Borough of Poole cabinet portfolio holder for the local economy, said: “We are disappointed with Brittany Ferries’ decision to remove this service earlier than planned because it is valued by both residents and visitors to Poole.

“However the company has indicated that the service will resume in the spring and we look forward to its return.”

Chris Jones for Brittany Ferries said: “Our timetable has to take a number of factors into account, including passenger demand – but we must also bear in mind the depressed state of the economy and the relatively high price of oil.

“We are committed to Poole and the Poole-Cherbourg service will resume next spring. Our plans for the Barfleur next summer on the Poole to Cherbourg route will be determined at the end of September.”