LEGAL action against new cross-Solent ferries has been delayed, ending fears that sailings could be cancelled during the busiest period of the year.

A High Court hearing that could result in vessels on the Lymington to Yarmouth route being withdrawn from service will not take place until after the holiday season.

The news will be music to the ears of thousands of families planning a summer break on the Isle of Wight.

Lymington River Association (LRA) launched legal action in February – the same month the multi-million- pound ferries came into service.

Members accused of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of failing to fully assess the potential impact of the vessels on the environment.

They warned that ferry operator Wightlink could be forced to stop using the craft until the assessment had been completed.

The hearing was repeatedly postponed, raising fears that any instruction to halt the craft could coincide with the tourist season, when Wightlink’s vessels are packed with holidaymakers heading for the Island.

However, the LRA has announced that the case will not now take place until September or October at the earliest.

Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner said: “It’s a good development. I’m very pleased that the case won’t be heard until the autumn, although obviously there’s concern about what might happen in the future.

“The ferry service is a lifeline – an essential link with the mainland.”

LRA chairman Marcus Malanathy also welcomed the latest date for the hearing, saying it would give the association more time to gather evidence against the ferries.

Mr Malanathy claimed that the 1,496-ton vessels were too big for the river and were damaging the waterway.

He added that the Government would have the power to prevent the craft from operating if the association won the case.

“Wightlink would have to withdraw the ferries and either charter alternative vessels or bring the old C-class vessels back into use,” said Mr Malanathy.

“We desperately need a ferry service – but the vessels must be the right size.”

A Wightlink spokesman said: “We don’t believe the ferries are damaging the environment and are confident there won’t be a case to answer.”