Businesses lose crucial Christmas sales as chain ferry closed for weeks

As previously reported, the Sandbanks chain ferry sustained ‘severe damage’ in November, delaying its planned return to service at the beginning of December. The operator has now said that the ferry won't be back in service until the end of February and local businesses are not happy.

The damage to the prow was sustained while the ferry was being towed to Falmouth for planned maintenance work.

Swanage shop owner Jeff Clarke has said local businesses are "sick and tired" of waiting: "Right now, Christmas is a time for us to make a bit of money to see us through the winter months but no one is coming."

And Caroline Finch, chair of the Swanage Chamber of Trade, agrees, saying: "It makes an impact on everybody that has worked so hard to put on a lovely show for Christmas."

Jason duToit, Managing Director of the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company, said, “I share all our customers' frustration at the extended absence of the service and can once again only apologise.

"We are going as fast as we are able so as to minimise time out of service."

Mr du Toit went on to explain that they are waiting for parts being manufactured in Poland and that repairs are subject to time-consuming safety approvals.

The businesses are calling for service and maintenance on the ferry to be moved to January or February from now on, when businesses would see significantly less impact on sales.

The ferry transports passengers from Sandbanks in Poole to Shell Bay in The Purbecks in just four minutes, saving them a 25-mile round-trip by car.

By Emily McGregor, Local News and Lifestyle Reporter

Photo credit: James Marsh