A ferry service may not sail before Christmas because vital safety work has yet to be completed.

Transmanche, the French operator of the Newhaven to Dieppe route, was hoping work on the Sardinia Vera would be completed next week.

But at least three days notice is needed before British and French authorities responsible for the safety of ferries can re-inspect the 12,000 ton vessel and authorise it to carry passengers again.

Even if the work is completed next week, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the French Centre de Securite Affaires Maritime will probably not be able to carry out a full inspection in the few days before Christmas.

The failure of the ferry to capitalise on the huge pre-Christmas demand for cheeper beers, wines, cigarettes and perfume in France, could once again put the future of the ferry service in doubt.

The Sardinia Vera is currently berthed at Dieppe while improvements are carried out by Transmanche and Corsica Ferries, which is responsible for crewing the ship.

Inspectors will require the mainly Italian crew to demonstrate they can carry out satisfactory emergency procedures before the vessel sails again.

Steve Forrest, operations manager for Transmanche at Newhaven, said: "We hope to be able to have an inspection next week."

But a spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "We have yet to be approached about another inspection."

The service was suspended two weeks ago after a routine safety inspection found several faults and ruled the crew was unable to carry out emergency drills.

A further inspection found 31 faults, including a leaking inner bow door, leaks in supposedly watertight doors and the sprinkler system not working properly.

The ship could sail at the moment but only with 12 lorries and drivers on board.

Transmanche said many of the faults were minor and could be rectified and the vessel would definitely sail again.

The ferry company, set up by the consortium that owns the port of Dieppe, is angry the ship was given permission to sail in March following safety checks, only for approval to be taken away just before Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year.