BOATERS are leaving Poole in droves due to ongoing problems with the Twin Sails Bridge .

Berth holders at marinas in Holes Bay are dealing not only with additional transit time in and out, but failures of the £21.6m Twin Sails have left some stuck in the holding basin between bridges for more than two hours. On top of this there are also concerns about safety and confusion over lifting times.

The problems represent a “serious risk of massive reputational damage” and “hurting the marine and leisure economy,” according to Councillor Philip Eades who made a written representation to the Bridges Operating Board after being contacted by angry mariners.

It states: “I have been told anecdotally and formally that boat owners are moving their boats away from Poole as a result of the number of bridge malfunctions since its opening. I have also been advised that marinas in the inner harbour are struggling to retain users as a result of the same problem.”

Lance Murdoch, assistant manager at Davis’s Boatyard said the bridge had had a “massive negative impact” on them and their customers “hated it”.

“We have had a number of berth holders not renew, citing the bridge. They’ve gone to the Port of Poole or the yacht haven on the quay,” he added.

Davis’s has 82 berths and dry storage for 250 boats. Mr Murdoch said they also feared for the impact the bridge would have on their dry dock business in the winter months, particularly sailing yachts and larger vessels.

“They may look elsewhere as it’s not as convenient to get to us – they have to think about two lifting bridges and holding position in the middle – and whether or not the bridge is actually working,” he said.

Next door Cobbs Quay has 850 marina berths and boat owners there have noticed a significant drop off in occupancy since the Twin Sails Bridge opened in April.

Jonathan Saunders, chairman of the Cobbs Quay Marina Berth Holders Association, said: “It’s failed on numerous lifts. I’ve had people say to me I’m leaving because of the bridge and they haven’t even used it – the reputational loss is the issue as much as anything else. Visitors to Poole think this bridge is all too hard and they’re looking elsewhere.”

Mr Saunders said he was also concerned about “boat rage” and people rushing to make the lift, and called for “a double lift for safety” to allow boat traffic to flow through during peak times such as the Air Show. He also highlighted the need for a protocol in the event of a bridge failure to ensure boats weren’t stuck in the basin for long periods without information.

John Rice, Poole’s engineering manager said the situation was frustrating but he thanked mariners for their patience.

“We are continuing to work hard with the contractors to resolve outstanding issues.”