THREE weeks after the £37million Twin Sails Bridge broke down, council officials still don't know what's wrong with it. 

Borough officials confirmed they still hadn't identified the fault after reports circulated about a company involved in the hydraulic lifting system going bust. 

According to BBC sources, Borough of Poole (BOP) has been desperately trying to source a replacement part for the structure, which could take several weeks.

However, BOP says this is untrue - and that engineers remain off site as the cause of the fault is still unknown.

A borough spokesperson, responding to the BBC story just over an hour after it aired, said the council has not ordered any bespoke parts, and that replacement parts - if needed - could be commissioned from any large engineering manufacturer.

The council provided an updated statement on progress at the bridge on Friday night. 

Residents and businesses in the locality have criticised the council for their handling of the Twin Sails Bridge breakdown, in particular as it follows months of issues and setbacks concerned with neighbouring Poole Bridge.

The harbour's second crossing is working satisfactorily, but with just one bridge in operation, again, traffic issues are being reported daily in the area.

Financial advisor Bruce Scammell, from Hamworthy, said: "We are used to having clients come here on a regular basis, we can sometimes be doing five or six appointments a day. But we cannot plan anything properly, because getting into the area is so frustrating."

Meanwhile, Poole Quays Forum chairman Bill Constance says people have now almost 'resigned themselves' to travel disruption as far as Poole bridges are concerned.