Dredging trial and beach maintenance delayed

West Bay harbour will be dredged later this year

A dredging trial and beach maintenance works have been postponed until after the summer.

Dorset Council said it would test a new Water Injection Dredging (WID) system at Lyme Regis and West Bay, avoiding the need to excavate and suction the seabed.

However, it said it could not reach an agreement with Natural England in time to start the trial this season.

The council said the delay would not affect harbour operations and beach access.

WID works by injecting water into sediment to fluidise it, allowing natural currents and seabed gradients to redistribute the material into deeper water, according to the council.

It said the technique was more environmentally friendly and could save £60,000-£80,000 per dredge.

Dorset Council cabinet member Jon Andrews said: "We're proud to be exploring innovative, sustainable solutions like Water Injection Dredging.

"While we've had to delay the trial and general beach maintenance, this decision reflects our commitment to doing things properly."

The council said the delay would avoid conflicts with residents and visitors over the busy summer period.

It said sediment levels in both harbours were currently below the threshold that would require immediate dredging.