Hole in harbour wall plugged ahead of rough seas

The large void found at the base of the Cobb's high sea wall is about the size of a small car

Large rock-filled bags have been placed over a hole in a harbour wall as a temporary fix to protect it ahead of the winter's rough seas.

The void at the bottom of the high sea wall at the Cobb in Lyme Regis was found during a routine inspection in the spring.

Dorset Council said the hollow in the Grade I listed stone wall, found where the Cobb forks and is exposed to strong waves, was "about the size of a small car".

The bags of rock have been craned down and placed over the entrance of the hole during low tide to absorb the wave energy and protect the wall during the winter.

Dorset Council said a permanent repair to fill the void by pumping in fast-setting concrete is set to be carried out at the next suitable spring low tide in the new year.

The works are part of phase one of a three-stage repair plan for the Cobb, and are separate from the larger phase five coastal works in Lyme Regis.

The wall and the bags of rocks will be monitored during the winter.

Lyme Regis Town Council is set to hold a drop-in event about the future of the Cobb and the emergency works planned to protect it.

The town council said if nothing is done, it is estimated the Cobb's function as a breakwater would end in the 2040s, "potentially resulting in the loss of the harbour, and putting over 100 properties at increased risk of flooding and coastal erosion".

The landmark features in novels and films, including The French Lieutenant's Woman and Wonka.

People will be able to share their thoughts and ideas on the options, suggest other improvements and learn more about the complexities of the project at the event on 27 November at the Jubilee Pavilion on Marine Parade from 12:00 - 18:00 GMT.