THE collapse of talks on the future operation of ferry services between Newhaven and Dieppe could result in more business for Dover.

Hoverspeed announced this week that Transmanche Ferries had withdrawn from negotiations regarding the south coast route.

Managing director Geoffrey Ede said they had been having discussions for some time regarding the charter by Transmanche of the SuperSeaCat vessel to be manned by Hoverspeed crew.

“It is disappointing for us but more importantly our passengers that negotiations have proved inconclusive,” he said. ”The service, which was scheduled to restart on April 28, will not now operate and the craft will be re-deployed.”

All passengers who had booked on the route will be transferred to the Dover-Calais Seacats.