Works at West Bay will begin on Weds 14 March and last approximately 9 days with no night shift work required. Lyme Regis work will begin on Monday 12 March for approximately 2 weeks. There will be both day and night shifts. The night shifts will be pump only, so we don’t expect any disturbance for local residents.
Why is dredging important?
Dredging maintains the entrance to the harbours and bulks up parts of the beach for flood defences. Both Lyme Regis and West Bay boast world-famous harbours. These harbours are fundamental to the prosperity of the towns. We continue to maintain the harbours for boat owners to have a safe and secure place to store and use their boats.The towns’ delightful beaches are highlights of the UNESCO world heritage Jurassic coast.Enjoyed by both tourists and residents, we aim to keep these beaches in exceptional condition.
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis Cllr Tony Alford, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the town council, as we know how much it means for our local economy to keep the beach in peak condition. This year, we will be running an educational campaign to highlight the importance of dredging.” 
We will shut only sections of the sandy beach through the duration of works at Lyme Regis. All car parks will remain open.The dredging works are a part of a large scheme to improve flood protection along the town’s coastline.This award-nominated scheme is now nearing completion, with the final phase 5 underway on the Cobb.
West Bay
West Bay West Beach will remain closed to the public during the works. All car parks will be open throughout the works. The works take place in the mouth and outer harbour. Sand and gravel is deposited on West Beach for flood defences. Our engineers – working in collaboration with the Environment Agency – have planned a flood protection scheme that will be implemented from 2019. 
Banksmen will be on site for both sets of work to ensure public safety.
