RESIDENTS and traders enthusiastically want fairy lights – or a modern variation of them – back on Weymouth seafront.

People have mixed views about keeping the lasers, but many are agreed the more traditional fairy lights should return.

It comes after it emerged an up-to-date version of the old Weymouth fairy lights will be coming back as part of an overhaul by council chiefs of seafront lighting.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council may also remove the controversial green lasers, the Veils of Light.

A council report suggested they would reach the ‘end of their operating life’ within five years.

The Echo asked for views in a mini-survey carried out on Weymouth seafront.

Natalie Wright, aged 37, co-owner of the Beach Café, said: “I think they should bring the fairy lights back because they are very pretty and the town is known for them.”

Residents and traders think the traditional feel the fairy lights brought to the seafront was crucial.

Kathleen Locock, aged 87, of Radipole Lane, Weymouth, said: “I would like them as they were. The good, old-fashioned lights like we always had.”

Some traders said they like the lasers but still wish to see the fairy lights return.

Nathan Hurford, aged 21, manager of a beach outlet, said: “A lot of people dislike the lasers but I think they’re different and there is no other beach which has them.”

He added: “I would like to see the fairy lights, but they need to be maintained. So if a bulb goes they need to repair it.”

Andy Moore, aged 49, manager of a beach kiosk, said he thought the lasers were an asset and were now part of Weymouth.

He added: “But I still think having a modern take on the Victorian fairy lights would be really good.”

Holidaymaker Mick Baker, aged 61, from Derby also expressed support for the lasers.

He said: “I think when they were put in for the Olympics they were very innovative and unique.”

But some residents are not so supportive of the lasers, both in terms of their design and functionality.

Mickey Dowle, aged 61, of Carlton Road South, Weymouth said: “The lasers are okay, but they are something or nothing. One minute they are there, the next minute they are not.”

Criticising their appearance, Lynn Chitty, aged 67, of Carlton Road North, Weymouth said: “I know it is meant to be modern art, but I am not very impressed.”