THE Sandbanks ferry will leave the area for four weeks this autumn as it undergoes a major refit.

Every two years, the chain ferry undergoes a refit, alternating between major and minor refits.

This year, the vessel will be towed to Falmouth on Monday, October 31 for a period of four weeks.

The last service will be on Sunday, October 30, and operators said they hoped the service will be back by early December.

Jason du Toit, the ferry’s managing director, said: “As with everything, the better we care for the ferry, the fewer disruptions to service we will have.

“I understand that during this time there may be an inconvenience and for that I apologise.

“However, refits are a time for us to ensure the vessel is safe and ready to carry passengers for the next few years.”