Plans to improve Weymouth's coastal paths are published

The path near Durdle Door is at the end of the route which is due to be improved

Spectators watching Olympic sailing events in 2012 are expected to get better access to the coastal paths around Weymouth, if plans are approved.

Natural England is looking to enhance the existing route from Lulworth to Portland on the Dorset coast.

Ciaran Gannon, regional director for Natural England, said he wanted a route that was "fit for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012".

The plans are on Natural England's website until January next year.

The creation of coastal paths around England was laid out in the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 but the £50m public scheme was scaled back in August due to funding cuts, except for the section in Dorset.

The plans for the 20km (12.4 mile) trail, which have been drawn up in partnership with Dorset County Council, aim to improve access to the Jurassic Coast and enhance the usage of the existing South West Coast Path.

Robert Gould, Dorset County Council cabinet member for environment, said: "The consultation is about people being able to have their say on the draft proposals to make sure Natural England and ourselves get things right."