West Country harbour

A trial is due to take place in May to decide if Falmouth Harbour should be dredged. Although it would boost the local economy creating hundreds of jobs, conservationists worry that it could damage a rare seaweed which grows in the Harbour. Steve Hardy reports.

Dredging could take place in Falmouth Harbour as part of a scientific trial to see if it has any harmful impact on the seabed. The harbour authority says dredging is essential to allow the port to develop in the future. The trial could start as early as May if permission is granted.

Falmouth harbour will soon be dredged as part of a scientific trial. It's part of a joint project between the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Cornwall Council and Plymouth University.

It was announced on March 6 that all ferries running out of Weymouth will be suspended for the entire summer due to a damaged harbour wall. Weymouth and Portland Borough Council have sent a statement on their current position.

Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Briefholder for Environment and Sustainability Ian Roebuck said:

“Contractors working on behalf of the borough council have been carrying out immediate works in an attempt to stabilise the area around the berth used by Condor Ferries.

“Careful monitoring has revealed that the instability is continuing. The expert advice is that the immediate work has been unsuccessful and we need to look at a different and lasting solution.

“Public safety must be the borough council’s over-riding concern and we have kept Condor informed of the developing situation.

“The council understands the importance of Condor Ferries to the borough. It is committed to working with the company to ensure any long-term plans for the harbour peninsula meet its future business needs and that Condor is able to resume sailings from the town as soon as possible.”

Condor Ferries has announced that all of their ferries in and out of Weymouth will be relocated to Poole for the summer including the Olympics

Work's started to stabilise Weymouth's harbour wall. Cracks have started appearing in the quayside. Cross channel ferries have been diverted to Poole in Dorset for a month for safety reasons. More now from our Dorset correspondent