A controversial move to end the free deckchair policy in Weymouth and Portland looks set to be abandoned after an outcry.

Free seaside seats for locals aged over 60 were under threat after Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said it was reviewing the policy. It launched a consultation to gather views.

There were claims the council was ‘penny pinching’ to save a few thousand pounds, and that older people should be left to enjoy one of the few perks available. Residents can also get wind breaks for half price under the scheme.

Free deckchairs have been enjoyed for 30 years but the council said it was reviewing the policy as the authority's ‘financial position’ had changed.

If approved, those over 60 would have to pay the going rate of £2 a day to hire a chair. It was thought the money saved from making people pay, said to be between £5,000-£7,000 could fund free swimming for disabled people at Weymouth Swimming Pool.

But members of next Monday’s policy development committee will be urged to keep the free deckchair policy as it is after a consultation came out in favour of continuing the concession.

A report says: “There were a total of 370 respondents with 81 per cent supporting a continuation of the current policy. 75 per cent did not support any increase in income from changing the policy being used to provide free or subsidised swimming for disabled people at Weymouth Swimming Pool.

“The results of the consultation clearly demonstrated that the current scheme is highly valued by residents and therefore they are keen for it to be retained.”

Councillors will be told an Equalities Impact Assessment was carried out as part of the review, and it suggests changing the current age threshold for people eligible for free deckchairs.

But the report to the committee says: “Given the strong view from the consultation to keep the policy as it is – of benefit to those aged 60 and over – it is proposed that no change is made. It will however be important to review this policy again in 5 years’ time to ensure it is still up-to-date and viable.”

Councillors will be recommended to continue the existing policy of providing free deckchairs and half price windbreaks for older residents.

TOWN centre councillor Francis Drake was among those who opposed the move to charge older residents for deckchairs.

Last month he accused council chiefs of being ‘penny pinchers’ for proposing the money-saving measure.

Cllr Drake also raised concerns that the consultation could only be accessed online, and had called for paper copies to be available.

On hearing the news the free deckchair policy will probably be unaltered, Cllr Drake said: "It is excellent news and shows the council is seeing a bit of sense.

"It's important to carry out consultations on issues and this shows the council has listened to residents and has come to the right decision."