I WOULD like to congratulate Susan-Jane Smith for starting her Facebook page to reinstate the fairy lights on the Weymouth Esplanade.

Since I have been a councillor many people have commented that they would like some type of additional lighting on the seafront, be it fairy lights or something else.

To replace the strings of fairy lights as they formerly were would require new lamp standards.

However, I would add a word of caution and also a word of optimism here.

There has recently been a report published about the need for additional sea defences to mitigate future flooding in the town.

One area of the town where much work will be needed will be on the Esplanade to prevent flooding by the sea overtopping.

The current engineering solution proposed is to raise the level of the Esplanade and funding is currently being sought for this.

Obviously this will be a huge scheme but hopefully will start in a few years. It will mean the whole of the Esplanade will be affected which gives the opportunity to think aspirationally about how the whole seafront should look.

Yes, we need to improve the lighting, and there will be replacement lamp standards, but it’s time to think outside of the box. There are all sorts of things that could be done. Fairy lights may be one option, but please consider all options.

Funding is always an issue but if it could be demonstrated that it would improve the heritage appeal of the town and support our local economy then opportunities for grant funding become available.

Gill Taylor

Nutgrove Avenue,

Littlesea,

Weymouth