Crumbling West Bay Harbour wall to get urgent repairs

Harbour Wall B had been due for improvement work over the winter

Emergency repairs are to be carried out on a harbour wall at risk of collapse in a tourist hotspot.

The path above the wall at West Bay Harbour in Dorset was closed in September over safety fears after it showed signs of movement.

The structure, known as Harbour Wall B, needed "more significant repairs than first thought", Dorset Council said.

Urgent works lasting six weeks will begin on 19 February to prevent the wall from crumbling.

The town and its beach are known for being featured in ITV crime drama Broadchurch

About 35m of steel sheet piling will be added to the toe of Wall B to stabilise it and any holes will be filled.

The food and drink huts will close temporarily from 26 February while work takes place, but are expected reopen in time for the Easter holidays.

To allow access for a large crane, the Mound car park will also shut until the work is finished.

Work to replace the wall, which could take up to six months to complete, will begin at the end of the year, the council added.

Ray Bryan, the authority's portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said he had been "keeping an eye" on the state of the wall for many years.

He said: "[We have been] balancing the need to maintain the harbour with the potential effect of works on local businesses and tourist trade.

"But the time has come to take action to prevent further damage to the wall in the future and keep the area safe."

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