BUSINESS leaders in Poole say they will be ‘sad to see’ Condor leave the port again in March next year.

Condor Ferries bosses yesterday announced that the Channel Islands service will return to Weymouth next spring - providing workers manage to repair the harbour wall on time and sort out traffic issues.

Condor moved to Poole in February after huge cracks appeared in the wall and ground around the berth.

The switch was greeted with delight by local businesses, who saw the ferry service as a chance to boost the town’s fortunes.

It is believed to bring more than £7million a year to Weymouth’s economy.

News of its departure date met with disappointment in Poole.

Lucy Cooper, of Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “Although we are sad to see Condor leaving, it was great to have the opportunity of having it here.

“The experience has proved that Poole has the capability to accommodate businesses under varying circumstances.”

The service was confirmed to stay in Poole until at least November, to allow for extensive £50,000 repairs in Weymouth to be carried out.

Group Director of the Passenger Division of Condor Ferries, Ken Soar, said: “We welcome Weymouth and Portland borough council’s proposal to start works this month and to make funding for the repairs to the quay wall a priority.

“It is our intention to return tooperating regular sailings from Weymouth in time for next summer’s season, once the works have been completed.”