Work to fill void in harbour wall due to begin

Urgent work to plug a hole in a historical harbour wall is due to begin.

The Cobb in Lyme Regis has a large void at its base on the seaward side.

Attempts to carry out a repair in March had to be aborted due to a build up of shingle that blocked access to the affected area, while work in May was postponed due to "unfavourable weather".

In November large rock-filled bags were placed in front of the hole - which is the size of a small car - to limit further erosion by rough seas over the winter.

Dorset Council has since said the work will be completed from Monday to Wednesday, during suitable tidal conditions.

Place services councillor Jon Andrews previously said: "The Cobb is hugely important to Lyme Regis and to Dorset, and these repairs are about protecting it for the future.

"This work has to be done in very specific tidal and weather conditions, which is why timing is so critical."

The repair, which involves pumping in fast-setting concrete, will be carried out from within a secure compound on the Cobb.

There will be no access to the higher wall of the Cobb while works are taking place and no access beyond the compound to the lower walkway or beach in the works area. Access to the Cobb buildings and fishing will not be affected.

Funding of £6.2m to safeguard the long-term future of the wall was approved by the council's cabinet in April.