Possible delays over the reopening of Dartmouth's Lower ferry is 'bad news' for the town, county and district, councillor Jonathan Hawkins has declared.

The district council run ferry operation has been out of action for more than a month after the launch of a £1 million scheme to rebuild the slipways.

It was planned for the service to be re-opened in time for Easter – but that could be put back following piling problems.

Said Mr Hawkins: 'That is obviously bad news for Dartmouth'.

The possible delays have been caused by underwater obstructions which were found as piling work began.

'It turned out to be a difficult to explore and find out what they were,' said Mr Hawkins.

In the end a dive team had to be sent to sort out the problems.