CAMPAIGNERS fighting to restore access to a much-loved Weymouth beauty spot have received a boost.

The Friends of Castle Cove’s fundraising pot has doubled overnight thanks to community support.

Clare Sutton, who represents the Rodwell division on Dorset County Council for the Green Party had £3,500 to allocate to local groups through the DCC Divisional Fund. She organised a public vote on where the money should go. Constituents in Rodwell took part in the process in February, with three organisations nominated.

The Friends of Castle Cove Beach received 75 per cent of the vote with Chapelhay Community Playgarden getting 18 per cent and Churches Against Poverty Jobclub attracting 7 per cent.

In line with the results, Cllr Sutton allocated £2,650 to the Friends of Castle Cove Beach for its beach access campaign.

FoCCB Committee member Ian Thomas said: “We’re over the moon about this.

“This money is a huge amount, and a great boost to everyone who wants to get back to the beach. We are very grateful to Clare for helping our campaign in this way.”

The footpath to Castle Cove Beach, which has been used by the public for generations, was closed by Dorset County Council in spring 2013, but has been partially reopened. The Friends are raising money to repair the footpath and build steps.

The Friends have already raised £2,550 for constructing access to the beach, and this new money doubles the construction budget to £5,200. The group is aiming to raise £8,000 in total.

Mr Thomas said: “We are having very helpful conversations with local landowners, and are currently turning our Friends group into a Charitable Corporation.

“We would very much like to get access to the beach this year. This new money will help us a lot. It’s a real shot in the arm.”

The non-political Friends of Castle Cove Beach was formed in August 2014. At the AGM last month, it was agreed to turn the Friends into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The application is currently with the Charity Commissioners.