Poole will be losing its direct link with Cherbourg from November, as the ferry firm will triangulate the island’s Portsmouth service on a daily basis. The towns have been twinned for nearly 50 years. But it will still continue to run the fast ferry Voyager between Poole and Guernsey and link with St Malo.
It is also going to sell the Barfleur ferry, which was operating the link between Poole and Cherbourg.
Neil Duncan-Jordan, Labour MP for Poole, said the plans ‘came out of the blue’ and he criticised Brittany for making no contact before its announcement earlier this week.
‘This raises understandable questions around redundancies, the impact on tourism and the offer that the town can make to those of us that live here,’ he said.
‘Businesses are part of our town and need to see themselves in that way, rather than separate entities that have no social responsibilities.’
Brittany Ferries said that there would be no redundancies in the UK.
The company said it was facing a bill of 27m. euros in 2026 due to rising taxes and Covid loan repayments, as well as fewer travellers and what it called unfair competition on some routes. Brittany Ferries had operated the route since 1985.
‘We’ve done our best but we have to face the harsh realities of the marketplace,’ said a spokesman.
Poole Harbour Commissioners have also expressed disappointment at the demise of the route.
‘This service has been an important connection for the town, the wider region, and our valued customers,’ said CEO Captain Brian Murphy.
‘Its absence will be felt across our community, but we also recognise that it creates a clear opportunity for other ferry operators to take over the crossing. We are actively engaging with potential operators and are ready to support new services.
‘We are committed to maintaining Poole’s position as a key regional gateway.’
You need to be logged in to comment.