NEW bus shelters inspired by a sailing theme are being installed on the seafront as part of the Weymouth Transport Package.

Seven old, brown shelters are being replaced at the King’s Statue bus stops during the £4.75million Weymouth Show-case element of the transport package.

Three shelters on the beach side of The Esplanade have been installed and the remaining four are being installed this month.

Dorset County Council cabinet member for transport Peter Finney said: “Not only will the new shelters look attractive and fitting for the world class seaside resort that Weymouth is, but they will also bring the bus infrastructure into the 21st century with real time information displays.

“When passengers get to the bus stop they will be able to see exactly when the next bus is due, they will also be sheltered from the elements and they will be able to perch on a seat while waiting.”

Work can be completed once the bus stop improvement work on the shop side of The Esplanade has been completed.

The glass for the shelters will be fitted after the final road surfacing of has been laid, and the real time information displays will be operational later this year.

Around 130 bus stops in the borough will be fitted with real-time information displays.

Also as part of the Weymouth Showcase element, electronic car park guidance signs and variable message signs will be installed around the borough.

Five car park guidance signs on Granby Way, Swannery Bridge, King Street, A354 Weymouth Relief Road and Commercial Road will point motorists towards available spaces.

Real-time signs will be in the relevant car parks at Swannery, Park Street, Melcombe Regis, Harbourside, the multi-storey and Cosens Quay.

The five variable message signs on the A353 Preston Road, B3157 Chickerell Road, A354 Relief Road, A354 Weymouth Way and the A354 on Boot Hill will advise motorists of events, delays and display road safety information.