THE Sandbanks Ferry is running back on its normal schedule – but passengers have been warned future service suspensions may be needed.

Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company has been running a half-hourly service, from 7am-7.15pm, for the past seven weeks.

Prior to the start of that timetable, implemented on January 28, the ferry had only operated for two days following its annual refit in October.

A hydraulic leak shut the crossing down for months.

Ferry bosses introduced the reduced service to reduce wear and tear while stocks of parts were low.

On Thursday, it was announced normal service had resumed.

A statement on the company's website explained: "We are now able to return to our normal operating timetable.

"We still have items of the drive system to change when parts become available, which may involve suspending the service.

"We will plan this work and will be able to notify in advance of when this will be."

The normal ferry crossing service leaves Sandbanks at 7am, then 20 and 40 minutes after each hour and on the hour, up until 11pm.

The last return trip, from Shell Bay, takes place at 11.10pm.