OLDER people in Weymouth and Portland could lose the privilege of free seaside deckchairs under a council money-saving move.

Tomorrow, a review of the deckchair pricing policy which provides free deckchairs and half-price windbreaks to locals over 60, will be considered by the borough council’s policy development committee.

Residents over 60 in Weymouth and Portland have enjoyed the benefit of a free seaside seat for last 30 years but now councillors say that circumstances and the ‘financial position’ of the council has changed.

Residents have to apply for a pass to get the discount. In a typical year, the value of deckchairs given out for free is about £5,000.

If approved, those over 60 will have to pay the going rate of £2 a day to hire a chair as of April 1.

The news has not gone down well with locals.

Pensioner Daphne Stevens from Weymouth said: "We use the deckchairs quite a bit during the summer as I can’t walk that far without a sit down. We use them because they are there, but we won’t use them if we have to pay for them.

"We don’t sit on them long enough, we go for a walk and sit down for five minutes but then we move along to a different area."

The report to the policy development committee recommends that £2,000 of the money saved is used to fund free or discounted swimming lessons for disabled Weymouth and Portland residents.

Ann Seymour, who retired to Portland 11 years ago, said: "Half the people who sit in deckchairs don’t pay for them, if they think they are going to get more money, then they are wrong, I think they are using it as an excuse.

"They are taking everything away from Weymouth, they should be putting more money into the beachfront not taking it away."

Ann’s daughter Karen Wilson said: "I know times are changing and they need money but it just feels like they are trying to money grab all the time.

"When you think about it, there’s not really a lot of other places to sit. It’s not fair for local people who come down for a little day out but have nowhere to sit because it’s all taken up with holidaymakers."

The report states that since the scheme was introduced more public seating such as benches and shelters have been built along the Esplanade, in addition to private seating from eateries.

Councillors argue it is common for all promenade chairs to be occupied by non-fee paying customers meaning that no income is being generated but expenditure is being accrued in wages.

It is estimated the move will increase income by up to £240 per day in peak season.

In the report Nick Thornley, head of economy, leisure and tourism, writes: "Some of those who have retired enjoy high levels of disposable income and some have second homes in the borough.

"The deckchair operation helps towards the costs of managing Weymouth’s Blue Flag beach.

However, 30 per cent of deckchairs are given out as free, even at peak times, and it is felt that an improved financial performance for the council is now required given the pressure on local government funding and the costs of managing the beach."