West Bay and Lyme Regis could get Harbour Watch schemes

Plans are being considered to introduce the idea next summer

Author: Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy ReporterPublished 24th Nov 2023

Harbour Watch schemes could be introduced at West Bay and Lyme Regis harbours next year – with support from Dorset Police.

Dorset Council’s harbours committee heard that there's enthusiasm in both towns for the idea, with a meeting about the scheme expected to take place at the Lyme lifeboat station on April 13th.

Talks are continuing at West Bay behind the scenes prior to a possible spring launch.

At West Bay, the town’s harbours advisory committee felt the scheme, similar to one already in operation in Weymouth, would add to an existing WhatsApp group which exists in the area mainly for businesses around the harbour.

The Dorchester meeting heard that there remained strong opposition from many groups in the town to proposals for Lyme Regis to allow the launching of more jet skis.

All three harbour advisory committees have expressed their ongoing concern about the high level of parking fees imposed by Dorset Council.

All claim the fees are impacting on each of the harbours with each fearing it could have a negative effect for the take up of moorings and launches.

At Weymouth the number of motor homes continuing to park on the Peninsula site was raised as a concern with the numbers said to be increasing, despite a council ban on them parking there.

Concerns were also raised about the traffic congestion continuing to be caused by cruise ship coaches dropping passengers at the back of Brewer’s Quay and repeated flooding under the Town Bridge.

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