Iconic breakwater needs urgent repairs - report

Damage has been found to a supporting wall at The Cobb buildings

Part of a Grade I listed breakwater is in poor condition and needs urgent repairs, a council has been told.

The Cobb in Lyme Regis has defects at the seaward base of a wall supporting buildings, an inspection found.

Dorset Council said a quote for remedial infilling and grouting was higher than expected, but it hoped to start work in October.

It added that a larger scheme to strengthen and stabilise The Cobb may have to be delayed until April 2026, rather than winter 2025.

The Cobb remains open to the public

Matthew Penny, the council's service manager for coastal erosion, said additional funding was required for both projects.

He said he hoped the government would announce substantial funding in October for the 2026 scheme.

Previously it was reported that the £3m project to preserve the breakwater beyond 2044 was at least £2m short.

Recently-completed works to The Cobb, following a storm in March 2023, have included patching the surface of the top wall which had lost grouting.

Mr Penny told the council's Harbours Advisory Committee: "We continue to monitor that area that was damaged and we've seen no further substantial movement."

He said The Cobb remained open to the public.