CAMPAIGNERS bidding to restore access to a Weymouth beach are appealing for help from the local community.

The Friends of Castle Cove Beach have launched an appeal to local builders’ firms or civil engineers for advice on the best way to repair the path as well as for funds to help carry out the work.

The Prince’s Trust has already stepped in and offered to try and restore the path but the campaign group wants advice on the best way to go about it.

Toby Dobbs, of the Friends of Castle Cove Beach, said: “We’ve had a fantastic offer from the Prince’s Trust team programme.

“They’ve volunteered to restore the footpath to the top of the beach.

“They’re donating their time and labour for free and we want to provide the materials and tools so they can do the job.”

Around 15 metres of the footpath have been disrupted by landslips and the volunteers plan to repair the damage, clear the undergrowth and make the footpath safe for people to use.

Mr Dobbs said: “These young people have made a really generous offer and it will make a big difference to the prospects of getting access to the beach.”

He added: “We need expert advice so the Princes’ Trust can carry out the work at a level acceptable to Dorset County Council.

“We don’t have the expertise ourselves. We need help from one or more professionals.”

The group is also appealing for donations to fund the work.

Mr Dobbs said: “We need to hire tools and safety equipment, provide materials, and pay for any disposal costs.

“We launched an appeal to our supporters and raised £100 in four hours.

“Now we’re appealing to our friends in the wider community. If you’d like to restore access to the beach, please donate to help us fix the footpath.”

Dorset County Council is due to inspect the path to ensure it is safe for volunteers and if they give the green light the Prince’s Trust team will start work on Monday, April 27.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to support the work can find the Friends of Castle Cove Beach’s bank details on the group’s Facebook page or they can contact Mr Dobbs on 07530 127901.

The footpath to Castle Cove Beach, which has been used by the public since 1899, was closed by Dorset County Council in Spring 2013, but has now been partially reopened.

The Friends of Castle Cove Beach group was formed last summer in a bid to restore full access to the beach and now has 220 fully paid up members.