Condor Liberation service is 'unacceptable' says Guernsey minister

'On behalf of Guernsey's External Transport Group (ETG) I would like to say how very frustrated and disappointed we are with the technical issues experienced by Condor Liberation over recent days. Whilst a commercial matter, we are very aware of how many travel plans have been affected and I am very sorry to have had to witness the impact that the cancellations have had on so many; this level of service is clearly unacceptable.

'These delays have affected both residents and visitors travel and, for some, has caused stress, and uncertainty. We have been closely monitoring the situation since Friday, and our team have been talking to some customers, down at the port, who have been affected.'

He said that the island had a right to expect better. 'I acknowledge that the technical problems are regretful, challenging and disappointing for Condor but, I must stress, such situations are wholly unacceptable for Guernsey's leisure and business customers. Condor Ferries has and continues to be an important business to and for Guernsey, integral in many aspects of Channel Island life, but the Bailiwick needs the reassurance of a resilient, affordable and reliable ferry service with robust infrastructure to support these business activities. The Islands cannot and should not accept anything less.'

Deputy Stewart, who has called in the past for patience with the ferry firm, said it was vital that normal service was resumed. 'Whilst we have witnessed front line Condor Ferries staff working long hours under pressure to try and rectify the problems, it is clear that there has been ongoing confusion and delays with re-booking in what is a sizeable and complex logistical task. The first priority is to get sailings back to schedule as soon as practically possible. We must allow Condor to focus on this task at hand. It is anticipated, at this time, normal service will resume by Wednesday.

'I have, however, requested an urgent meeting with senior representatives from Condor, as soon as practically possible, to review this current situation and to address the series of technical issues that have affected the Liberation with some regularity over recent months. We also need to work with Condor to map out options, back up plans and review procedures, in the immediate term, to mitigate the risk of such disruption reoccurring.'

A pan-island meeting with Condor had already been scheduled for mid-October to review technical reports and to review season to date and future planning;. Politicians and senior staff in Guernsey are liaising with counterparts in Jersey and staff from Condor Ferries every day.