DISAPPOINTED but determined to work with Brittany Ferries to ensure its Poole to Cherbourg route is a success.

That’s the reaction from Poole Harbour Commissioners in the light of the ferry companies decision not to run the Barfleur passenger ferry through the winter.

“We are disappointed. It would be wrong to suggest otherwise,” said PHC chief executive Jim Stewart. “It hasn’t come as a complete surprise.”

The much-missed service was brought back in February for a trial run, with fewer passengers and more freight, but a review has found it is not making enough money and it will be withdrawn on October 3.

“From our perspective the volumes they were getting weren’t too bad. It’s the cost side. Fuel has gone through the roof this year,” said Mr Stewart, who holds talks with the company this week.

Last year the port made redundancies due to the loss of the Barfleur from its year-round service, however Mr Stewart said they had budgeted for it to run until October.

“We would like to think she would return at the beginning of next year. That’s what we are hoping for,” he said.

Rumours are circulating that both the Barfleur and the Cotentin freight ferry are up for sale.

Steve Tuckwell, Brittany Ferries spokesman, said it would be wrong to give the impression they wanted to get rid of the two ships. However he said: “If the right offer was made for any ship within our fleet we would take it.”

A decision is to be made on plans for next summer’s Poole to Cherbourg route at the end of September, after the traditionally busy months of July and August.

“If the community could give us as much support for July and August as possible, that would be marvellous,” he said.

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, Borough of Poole said they were disappointed by the move and would continue to work with the port to ensure it had a successful future.