WORK has begun in earnest to repair Weymouth’s crumbling harbour walls.

Contractors are starting a major project to repair ferry berth three where it is hoped Condor Ferries’ vessels will be embarking from next summer.

The company switched its cross-Channel ferry services to Poole earlier this year following concerns over the state of the quayside, which has fallen into disrepair.

When the true extent of the damage was revealed, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council agreed that extensive works would have to be carried out to the quay to stand any chance of the ferry operator returning.

Condor is the port’s biggest customer and helps to pump millions into the local economy.

Harbour works estimated to cost £3.9 million and lasting 24 weeks are now underway – and Condor has said regular sailings from Weymouth will begin on July 17, 2013, as long as the works are complete. The main works involve demolishing part of the quay, driving in new tubular and sheet piles, installing new marine ‘fendering’ and bollards for ferries to moor up against, resurfacing the quay and undertaking significant concrete scour works on the harbour bed.

It has been revealed that 12 days will be added onto the 24-week programme because of problems securing steel sheet piling.

Severe weather over the winter, issues with pile extraction and pile driving obstructions have been flagged up as other risks which could delay the project.

Council spokesman for Environment and Sustainability Gill Taylor said: “Repair work to Weymouth’s harbour wall has begun as planned.

“Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering has been appointed as the contractor to carry out the work.

“Surveying on the site is currently underway and December will see the start of installation of tubular and sheet piling and excavation work on the existing quayside.”

Condor’s regular fast ferry services from the UK to the Channel Islands and France will continue to operate from Poole until next July. After that, sailings will operate from both Weymouth and Poole.

The company’s ‘fast cat’ vessels will be able to be seen in Weymouth over the winter however as they undergo maintenance.

Condor has said it is continuing to liaise with the council over the works.

It recognises Weymouth as the ‘gateway to the Channel Islands’ and has said it has always been the intention to return once works to restore the ferry port are completed.

Regular updates about the work can be found at dorsetforyou.com/harbourwallrepairs