Weymouth Ferry Port £2million Repairs Approved

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's management committee have today (6th June) agreed to fund £2million repair work to Weymouth Quay.

Contractors working on behalf of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council will undertake preliminary works to prepare the quay for major repairs which are scheduled to start in the autumn.

The preliminary works will include:

-Removal of the canopy that covers the ferry berth walkway

-Excavation work to relieve the pressure on the quay wall

-Partial filling of the scour hole

-Ground investigation for the main works beginning in the autumn

-Screening the site from the Olympic visitor area at the Nothe

The works will be completed prior to the start of the Olympic sailing events taking place in Weymouth and Portland throughout July and August.

Significant structural changes at Weymouth quay were detected in February this year forcing Condor Ferries, who usually sail from Weymouth to the Channel Islands, to temporarily move operations to Poole.

Engineering consultants, Atkins were appointed by the borough council to design a scheme to bring the ferry berth back into operation by March 2013.

On Wednesday 6 June, the borough council's Management Committee members approved the funding of both the advanced works and major repair scheme, estimated to cost a total of £2 million.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's brief holder for Environment and Sustainability Ian Roebuck said:

"The ferry operation is of vital economic significance to Weymouth and a lifeline service for the Channel Islands, so we are working to ensure that the necessary engineering works happen as quickly as possible.

"These works will not only answer safety concerns about the berth but will provide the basis to enhance the ferry port and secure its future for the long term. As a council, we are actively pursuing sources of external funding to support both these objectives."

Management Committee meetings are open to the public. Any decisions made are subject to the council's normal five day call in period by any councillor.

To access committee meeting agendas and minutes online visit www.dorsetforyou.com/committees