More consultations are to be held to hear people’s views on new seafront lighting plans.

As part of the ‘Dorset Coastal Connections, people and places’ project, Weymouth has been awarded a grant to create a lighting scheme along Weymouth Promenade. 

A spokesman for the project said : “It will improve views towards Weymouth Bay, provide a welcoming atmosphere for evening strollers and promote a positive image of the town and seafront”.

The artist-designed scheme will be based upon the aspirations of the local community and will create a “new, exciting, attractive visual aesthetic to complement the existing lighting scheme, both by day and night."

Project Coordinator Natalie Poulter said “It was great to see so many people attend the first community engagement session which took place on August 25 on the Esplanade.

“More than 120 people came along to share their views about this project. We are looking forward to hearing more people have their say at the next two engagement sessions which will be in September. Understanding the thoughts and feelings of the local community and visitors is essential to this project and will help the project team get the right result for Weymouth.”

Cllr Richard Kosior, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Briefholder for Tourism, Culture and Harbour, said: “It’s great that the Dorset Coast Forum has managed to secure funding to implement a lighting scheme along Weymouth’s wonderful promenade. I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to have their say at the drop-in events or online. 

“This will make sure we get a scheme that reflects the views of residents and visitors to the area. Following the consultation by Dorset Coastal Forum, the borough council will agree the design and implement the scheme. During the implementation stage we will be utilising local knowledge and expertise where ever possible to ensure the success of this project.”

Dorset Coast Forum will be hosting two further drop-in sessions to talk about the project with residents and visitors, and people are encouraged to come along and have their say.

The drop-in sessions will be on: -

  • Wednesday September 13 at the Weymouth SEA LIFE Park, at 5-8pm (pay & display car park at Lodmoor Country Park)
  • Monday September 25 at the Park Community Centre, Chelmsford St, at 4.30-7.30pm