Brittany Ferries announce plans to develop service to Northern Spain

A cross-Channel ferry to France which has been operating from Poole in Dorset since 1993 will embark on its final sailing later today.

Brittany Ferries reported that their Barfleur ferry service between Poole and Cherbourg has not been in profit since 2003 and as such has decided to take it out of service.

However, they also revealed that they have purchased a new ferry for £75 Million to develop the route between Portsmouth and Northern Spain.

Mr Ron Barker, a Councilor for Poole said the decision was a blow to tourism in Dorset, calling it a "bitter disappointment" for the economy of both towns.

Brittany Ferries said that it would be increasing the service from Poole to Cherbourg for freight ships, "so it is not the end of commercial operation to Cherbourg". The firm also said the high-speed Normandie Vitesse ferry to Cherbourg had "done very well" compared to the Barfleur since its launch in 1998 and that this route would continue.

The ferry's final sailing will set off from Poole at 2345 GMT today.