Reef firm has ceased trading

The company which built the artificial surf reef in Dorset has ceased trading. Boscombe's £3.2m reef has been out of action since May last year after it was damaged by a boat propeller. New Zealand based ASR limited was due to carry out repairs.

Bournemouth Borough Council says its liquidation was unlikely to affect its plans to restore it, and it will continue to pursue an insurance claim for the damage. The reef, made of 55 giant sand-filled bags 740ft out at sea, opened in November 2009 after lengthy delays and running over budget.