Annual harbour dredging and beach works are set to take place in West Bay and Lyme Regis in March and April.
Works at West Bay are due to take place between 8 and 14 March when favourably low tides allow the best access.
The outer harbour and entrance to the harbour will be dredged with the materials taken to aid re-profiling of West Beach.
West Beach will be closed to the public while work is carried out. The esplanade will be closed to vehicular access but pedestrian access will remain open.
Works are set to be carried out during two shifts per day, one in the day and one overnight, to ensure the most efficient use of hired machinery.
Lyme Regis works will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will be carried out on 7 and 8 March. This work will include dredging of a section of the harbour.
The second phase will be carried out between 7 and 11 April when the tides are at one of their lowest points in the year. Works are restricted to these dates as tide levels dictate the amount of access hired machinery has and certain areas are only accessible during these times.
This phase includes beach works and dredging to the harbour and Pokers Pool.
These works will be carried out simultaneously with material being used from the dredging to replenish material lost on the beach.
Members of the public are encouraged to stay off the beach while sand moving operations are taking place.
The shingle beach in front of the phase two sea defences will also be re-profiled during this time, with large excavators being used. Public access will be restricted while the machine is being used.
Banksmen will be on hand to ensure public safety.
Cllr John Russell, West Dorset District Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Environmental Protection and Assets, said: “These works are necessary in order to maintain navigational approaches into both harbours and ensure the beaches are returned to their intended profiles.
“While we always aim to keep disruption to a minimum, inevitably there will be some areas that will be cordoned off during each of these works. I would ask the public to be aware of warning signs in place.”
