A FORMER planning chief was left frustrated after it took Dorset County Council nine months to replace ‘dangerous’ roadside railings.

Richard Burgess has been urging the council to repair five broken railing panels which run along the foot of the sea wall on Preston Beach Road, Weymouth.

The railings, which run adjacent to the road, were originally damaged beyond repair as the result of a road accident last April. Despite Mr Burgess repeatedly contacting highways chiefs, the railings were only repaired last week after the Echo asked questions.

Mr Burgess, who served as town planner for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council from 1990 to 1998, and as environment director until 2008, was involved in the beach wall refurbishment scheme in the early 1990s.

He said: “It is not good for Weymouth, it is the entrance point to the town. With nobody taking responsibly for the railings we actually have a highway danger on our hands.

“The thing is it was myself and the former borough engineer who worked on the scheme and I can remember exactly what was agreed.

“When the Preston sea wall scheme was built there had been an agreement between DCC, WPBC and the Environment Agency to the effect that DCC were responsible for the railings element.

“The borough agreed to the day-to-day sweeping of the promenade and beach cleaning which they have done very well to date.

“The railings at the foot of the slope were put in at the request of the highways authority so no children could run down the slope and into the highway. Bearing in mind now there is also a skatepark there.”

Following the accident the railings were initially cordoned off with cones and police tape.

When nothing had been done by September, Mr Burgess filled out an online DCC highways report form over the damage. He was told it was not the responsibility of county highways but someone would investigate, although nothing was done.

“In October I wrote to WPBC and DCC ward councillors. Silence from WPBC councillors but the Preston DCC councillor said he’d try and get some action. In December I was advised they were discussing the matter with the Environment Agency. Silence. No action.”

After a nine-month wait the railings were fixed just one day after the Dorset Echo contacted the council for an explanation. 

Dawn Atkin Community Highway Team Leader said: “Although the damaged railings are a bit unsightly, they are ornamental and do not affect the safety of the road.

“Due to the speed and volume of traffic on Preston Beach Road, when the railings are replaced some traffic management will be needed to provide a safe working area.”

The council also confirmed the maintenance was its responsibility. 

Mr Burgess added: “It is just frustrating because it is something that in my day would have taken a couple of days to sort out.”