Work to fill void in iconic harbour wall postponed

Urgent work to plug a hole in a historical harbour wall which was due to begin on Monday has been postponed.

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 had blocked access to the affected area.

Dorset Council previously said engineers would take advantage of low spring tides on 18 and 19 May to complete the work. However it has since announced that the work has been postponed due to an "unfavourable weather forecast".

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.

The council said the work is now set to be completed on 15, 16 and 17 June, during the next suitable tidal conditions.

Over the coming weeks, teams will work closely with contractors and key stakeholders to confirm availability, reassess site conditions, and ensure all materials, access arrangements and permissions remain in place for the revised programme.

Weather and tidal conditions will continue to be monitored closely to "minimise the risk of further disruption", the council added.

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.

The council said a further update will be issued once arrangements have been fully confirmed.