Dorset was never a suitable location for the Bibby Stockholm barge, Dorset Council's leader has said. 

Cllr Nick Ireland said: “We very much welcome the news that the Bibby Stockholm barge will no longer be operational in Portland after January 2025. Our thanks go to the new Labour government for taking an early decision on this.

“Since the Bibby Stockholm arrived a year ago, we have worked hard to support the residents of the barge and also tried to mitigate the impact on local communities. Dorset Council has been opposed to the barge being sited at Portland Port from the very beginning as this was never a suitable location for this facility.

READ: Dorset Council welcomes news about Bibby Stockholm contract

“We will work closely with the Home Office and other partners to ensure the smooth running of arrangements over the final few months.”