WITH regard to the letter published on your pages on May 10 regarding the boat service between Bournemouth and Swanage, it is important that the facts regarding the boat services running from Bournemouth Pier are properly presented.

In preparation for the new season, the council tendered the opportunity to operate pleasure cruises from Bournemouth Pier. Blue Line Cruises, a local operator, won the tender and have begun operating from the Pier.

At present Swanage Pier is undergoing some major repair work which prevents the Blue Line vessels from using it during the week, although they can use it at weekends; it has nothing to do with the suitability of the vessel as your correspondent indicated.

Having read through the current programme offered by Blue Line Cruises, I am very excited about not only the established trips to Poole, Brownsea and Swanage but also the potential to add a regular service to the Isle of Wight and a scenic tour of the Jurassic Coast.

Blue Line Cruises appear to be very committed to providing a first class visitor experience.

However I will closely monitor their performance, whilst at the same time wishing them every success.

CLLR ROD COOPER, portfolio holder for economy, leisure & tourism, Bournemouth Borough Council