THE Sandbanks Ferry has been suspended until Tuesday due to a "mechanical issue."

The ferry company said on Twitter just before 9.45am this morning that the service had been suspended.

In a later update, the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company said the ferry would be suspended over the weekend and on Monday.

A spokesperson said they hoped to be able to provide an update on Monday. 

More follows.

Morebus said its Purbeck Breezer 50 service would be running a diverted route this weekend.

Between Bournemouth and Swanage, the bus will serve all stops between Bournemouth Interchange, Bournemouth Square and Sandbanks Pavilion. 

A spokesperson said: "Stops on the Sandbanks loop at the end of the peninsula (Banks Road, Panorama Road and Sandbanks Ferry) will not be served. Customers wishing to connect with the 50 towards Swanage from these stops will need to catch the 60 and connect with the 50 at Sandbanks Pavilion.

"Purbeck Breezer 50 will then operate directly to Poole and serve The George (Parkstone Road), before continuing non-stop to Swanage Bus Station.  For those requiring New Swanage, Ulwell and Studland from Bournemouth should remain on the bus at Swanage, which will serve its normal route in reverse as far as the Studland Stores."

On the reverse journey, there will be no service between Studland Stores and Shell Bay Ferry Offices.

The spokesperson added: "Customers requiring the bus from these stops will need to walk to the bus stop at Studland Stores, board route 50 going towards Swanage, get off at Swanage Bus Station and await the next departure, directly via Poole."