WORK is due to start today to revamp Weymouth's iconic Victorian seafront shelters.

The borough council has been awarded £50,000 from the government to repair and redecorate seven of the Grade 2 listed structures.

Workers from Dorset Build and Maintenance Ltd will work on two or three shelters at a time. While there will be no road or footpath closures, pedestrians are advised each shelter will be encased in scaffolding and sheeting while the work takes place so access along the promenade will be reduced at those points.

It is expected the project will take until the end of March. Work includes repairs to the ornamental ironwork, timber repairs to seating,

roofing repairs, replacing of damaged glazed panels, and cleaning off graffiti.

The £50,000 will cover the cost of the majority of the works whilew the borough council will cover the rest.

Cllr Jeff Cant, briefholder for Finance and Assets and leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “These works form a key part of our exciting plans to improve the public realm throughout Weymouth. Other projects include the sculpture trail and artist led lighting installations along the Esplanade (funded by a previous round of the Coastal Community Fund).

“These are an important part of our heritage and we know how the public value them, so we are working closely with police and local bodies to discourage anti-social behaviour at the shelters.”