£115M plan revealed to save Weymouth from the sea

A £115million plan's been announced to protect Weymouth from tidal flooding and erosion over the next 100 years.

Sea levels are due to rise by 1.3 meters in a century's time and Dorset Council says future-proofing has to happen now.

The plans would cost £115 million, with money coming from various investment sources, with around a quarter funded by Dorset Council itself.

Floods have already submerged parts of Weymouth temporarily in the last year, but Dorset Council is warning the problems could significantly worsen if they don't take action.

In the next century, sea levels are predicted to rise up to 1.3m, and more intense weather events are likely as a result of climate change.

'What does the plan involve?'

The works will replace and raise the walls surrounding the harbour and esplanade, some of which are already at the end of their design life.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said:

"This is a hugely exciting and ambitious strategy that deals with the effects of climate change and helps protect the future of Weymouth.

"It will see record amounts of investment in coastline defences and I strongly encourage everyone to read the document so they can see what is planned.

"The next step is to get everything in place to govern and manage the various projects proposed and continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to secure funding.

I’d like to thank the many agencies that have been involved in the studies that helped us devise this strategy that, when implemented, will cement Weymouth’s reputation as a safe and attractive place to work and visit.”

'Sea defences time line'

Harbour sea defence walls - 2020 to 2030:

Replace seven section of harbour walls that are too low to cope with predicted rising waters.

Esplanade sea defence - 2020 to 2035:

Repairs for Greenhill sea wall foundations with improvements to the wall with promenade works too. Current beach management activities will also continue, including recycling sand and reprofiling the beach.

Harbour walls (general) - 2020-2027:

Replace four sections of peninsula walls