THE Sandbanks Ferry will be suspended temporarily this afternoon as a replacement for a twisted chain take place. 

A twisted chain that is in need of replacement will see the chain ferry out of service from 3pm on Thursday, March 30 and will not return until 7am the following day on Friday, March 31. 

This is the first time the ferry has been out of action since its return in late February after months of refurbishment. 

Read more: Sandbanks chain ferry announces increase in its fares

A spokesperson for the ferry said: “The ferry service is running a normal service until 3pm today 30/03/2023.  

“At 3pm service will be suspended due to a twisted chain that needs to be replaced. Service will recommence at 7am tomorrow 31/03/2023.   

“Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.” 

The Morebus 50 service will also be affected while the ferry is suspended.

From 3pm, buses will divert via the inland route running non stop from Swanage to Poole, then non stop to Sandbanks to recommence normal route to Bournemouth.

The reverse of this on the return journey.

A Morebus spokesperson said: "Please see website / app for full description."

From April 1 the service will increase its fare for most of its passengers, bar cyclists and pedestrians. 

A single trip for a car will cost £5.20, up 20p, and a large goods vehicle (weighing between 3,500kg and 20,000kg) will cost 40p at £10.40 per journey.