AUTHORITIES will seek specialist legal advice on how fishermen and marine businesses can claim compensation for loss of earnings during the Olympics.

Experts will be consulted to investigate financial compensation for commercial and charter boat owners, whose movements will be restricted when the Games come to town in 2012.

Councillors agreed to support the proposed Harbour Revision Order (HRO) for the sailing events at a full council meeting of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Restrictions will be in place for 67 days before, during and after the Games and access for vessels will be through a channel.

Dorset Police will be securing a two-mile buffer zone around the field of play for practice events up to the conclusion of the Paralympic events.

Councillor John Birtwhistle said it was crucial that the interests of local people were looked after.

He added: “Our primary purpose is to protect and promote the interests of people who work here.

“We need to talk to these people and make sure that they don’t lose out.

“As a council we’re here to be looking after the people who live and work here.

“I’m with these people all the way. We’ve got to get clarity on this.”

The Harbour Revision Order will be applied for by Portland Harbour Authority Ltd and an Operating Protocol will be supported with caveats for people to pursue claims for compensation, councillors unanimously agreed.

Paul Compton, who runs White Motor Boats services from Weymouth to Portland, said: “The majority of water users are going to be greatly impeded during the races.

“All will lose income, without a doubt. The races will be at the height of the season.

“This town makes most of its money in a very short period of time in the summer. Taking 67 days out of that will have a tremendous impact.”

Mr Compton is also in negotiations with the borough council harbourmaster, police and Portland Port about potential restrictions to his service during the Games.

Dave Pitman, chairman of the Weymouth and Portland Fishermen and Licensed Boatmen Association, said he wants the authorities who will be drafting the order to listen to him and his colleagues.

He said: “This is going to mean eight boats not earning a living in the bay and could affect more boats than that through getting stuff back.

“We need them to help the small boats. We’re looking at about £1,000 per week per boat for compensation.”

Mr Pitman, who skippers the Atlanta, added: “All you hear when you hear talk of the Olympics coming to Weymouth is that it’s going to help the local economy.

“These boys have been here for as long as I have and some of them will be on the scene for another 20 years and some of them could be getting into big financial difficulty because of the Olympics.”