CONDOR Ferries sailing from Poole all summer has been greeted as a multi-million-pound boost for the economy.

The fast service to the Channel Islands and St Malo, France, will operate from the port throughout the summer while the damaged Weymouth berth is repaired, ferry bosses announced last night.

Mayor Councillor Graham Wilson said it was wonderful news for the borough.

Cllr Wilson said: “This is certainly just what we want to hear.

“Poole is really going places. This is good news for the Poole economy – it can only help everybody.

“I see it as just the tip of the iceberg when the Twin Sails bridge does open.”

The move is proof that businesses are willing to invest in Poole, he said.

“This is just another piece in the jigsaw,” Cllr Wilson added.

“Things are really going to happen for Poole. We are open for business.”

Repairs already carried out in Weymouth have not worked and so the port must stay out of use. Condor contributed more than £7.7million annually to the town’s economy.

Council leader, Cllr Elaine Atkinson said: “I’m absolutely delighted.

“I think this is a good year for Poole. Obviously we’re terribly disappointed for our friends in Weymouth, but I am thrilled.

“Our port authority has shown it can cope with rapid change with the loss of the Barfleur, getting it back and then losing it again.”

Michael Regenhardt, president of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added: “From a conurbation point of view it’s great news and hopefully it will create a few jobs.

“It will give the area a nice boost, putting it a bit more on the map.”

Captain Fran Collins, Operations Director at Condor Ferries, said she was confident the service would run smoothly.

“Everyone is committed to making a seamless transition to sustain the essential ferry services to Guernsey and Jersey.”

Customer service teams will be contacting people with bookings and the website and schedules will be updated, he added.

All existing bookings will be automatically transferred and customers will receive written notification.

Visit condorferries.com or call 08456 091030.