A HISTORIC ship has been moved to a new location in Weston while refurbishment work is carried out.
The Bristol Queen, which is used to take day-trippers from Knightstone Harbour to Steep Holm island, has been housed behind Weston Railway Station.
The ship had its last refit in 2009 and the work to half of the keel could take between six months to a year.
Martin Woolls, who runs M W Marine and has owned the ship since 1999, said: “This is extensive and complex work.
“My old friend Kerry Michael has been kind enough to allow me to base her on his land next to the train station for the duration of the work in return for a donation to the Axentis Michael Trust in honour of his late father.
“Bristol Queen is to my knowledge the largest object that has ever been transported by road through Weston and this was done by Kings Haulage based in Avonmouth.
“We had to do the move at night as directed by the police so as not to cause too much inconvenience to the travelling public. The whole lot was more than 100 tons.
“Our business is continuing with Westward Ho doing her regular services to Flat Holm island from both Weston and Cardiff and incorporating a limited Weston to Cardiff ferry service.”
The Bristol Queen is 76 years old and is on the National Register of Historic Vessels.
It played a small role in the sinking of the Bismarck during World War Two.
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