A TROPICAL visitor has been getting a warm welcome from businesses and tourists along the seafront.

The Canary Island palm trees have been planted along the Esplanade as part of the Weymouth Seafront Regeneration Programme.

The balmy giants are more commonly found in Spain or North Africa, but they appear to be thriving as the town basks in the sunshine.

Businesses in the area have reported locals and tourists alike commenting on the trees.

Linda Bush, owner of the Tea Bush cafe, said: “It gives it a more relaxed look and really improves the sea front.

“I’ve been asking all the customers if they like them and have had some positive feedback.”

She added: “It’s great because people were so upset about the fairy lights going and it does not look like they are coming back. But the palm trees are fantastic and make the whole place look so chilled out.”

And Graham Scott, a beach hut manager, said: “I think they are really nice, it makes the town look a bit like Torquay or somewhere on the Mediterranean.

“It just enhances the look of the whole seafront, and it seems to be getting a good reaction from residents and visitors so far.”

The trees, which have the potential to grow up to 20 metres tall and 30 metres wide, have also caught the eyes of tourists.

Richard Ford, 39, from Winchester, said: “It’s a really good idea, they make the whole sea front look so nice and summery.”

Margaret Harvey, 73, and Sheila Fotheringham, 76, from Wales, said: “The palm trees are really lovely. It gives it a tropical feel.”

Planting began last week, and when completed, 16 of the palm trees will permanently line the Esplanade from Alexandra Gardens to the King’s Statue – part of the final stages of the £2.5m seafront regeneration project.

Low energy lights will also be fitted to illuminate the trees in the evening.

Coun Michael Goodman, chairman of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council management committee, said: “These trees are a significant addition to the landscaping on the seafront, adding interest, providing shade and giving height to the landscaping along the promenade.

“They are also intended to provide a setting and visual impact around the King George III statue, as well as giving a Mediterranean feel to the Esplanade area.

“The borough is welcoming the world this summer and we want to make sure that Weymouth and Portland looks its best.”

Laser lights

THE laser lights on Weymouth Esplanade will finally be turned on tonight.

The scheme, which involves seven 16-metre high columns with lighting projected from the promenade over the beach and into the sea, will be officially switched on at 9.30pm.

Each column will be a different colour and each will include a different vertical coloured light within the structure of the column.

The lights start half an hour after sunset and will go on and off every six minutes through the evening and each time there will be a different pattern of lights.

They will stay on until midnight in winter and 1am in summer.