A consultation has been launched giving residents an opportunity to comment on the future of free deckchairs on Weymouth seafront.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is looking for views on the current deckchair policy to be submitted by Sunday 18 June. Currently, there is a provision of free deckchairs and half price windbreaks for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council residents aged 60 or over. About 30 per cent of council-owned deckchairs are given out as free, even at peak times.
This policy has been in operation for a number of years without having been reviewed. Key issues include administration costs and the lack of deckchairs to hire out to visitors. This has an impact on costs to the council and reduces potential revenue. An Equality Impact Assessment noted that there are now a number of places for people to sit out on the Esplanade for free since the introduction of the scheme.
Officers have previously recommended that any increase in income from ending the policy could support swimming at Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre for disabled Weymouth and Portland residents.
Following the completion of the consultation period, the findings will be presented to Members before any changes are considered.
For more information and to have your say, please visit: dorsetforyou.gov.uk/freedeckchairs
