Having visited Weymouth himself on several occasions, and spoken to many local people, Soar said he was convinced it was the right decision to bring Condor back to Weymouth.
The ferries had to leave in haste because of damage to the quayside, caused by movement of the sea, which undermined it. Once the required repairs have been made, the ferries should return.
The Condor fast ferry service is worth well over £7 million a year to Weymouth’s local economy. It employs over 250 local people and many local businesses benefit from the passenger traffic through the town.
However, Soar did bring a note of caution to his upbeat message to Chamber members. Poole is a more attractive port to many travellers from the south-east of England, because it’s perceived to be much closer than Weymouth.
To succeed as a ferry port, and to reclaim its historic position as ‘gateway to the Channel Islands’, Weymouth needs to make it as easy as possible for travellers to get from the new relief road to the town’s ferry terminal. In addition, the terminal itself needs substantial improvement.
Ken Soar was speaking to over 20 members of Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce who had travelled to Guernsey, courtesy of Condor. The firm’s commitment to Weymouth was warmly welcomed by Anna-Maria Geare, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and the others who had travelled with her.
(Picture courtesy of Condor Ferries).
