SMOKERS at a Weymouth nightclub face a soaking on rainy nights after councillors ruled an illegally erected awning should be removed.

The retractable awning was put up without planning permission outside the Rendezvous nightclub in St Thomas Street.

The shelter, on the side of the building adjoining Custom House Quay, was erected following the summer enforcement of the smoking ban.

The awning is nearly 10ft above pavement level and projects 8ft when extended.

Planning committee members refused retrospective permission for the awning because they said it would encourage other pubs and clubs in the town centre conservation area to follow suit.

Coun Christine James said: "I would object to it, walking along there and being faced with people smoking."

Planning officers said that while they were concerned the awning would block the pavement, they were not able to dictate how people used a public highway.

Coun John Nash told the meeting he would like to see improvements at Custom House Quay: "When you are there in the summer there's 50 or 80 people there and it's a shame it can't be tidied up because it's like an old square."