“Let's get on with it” – that was the message from town councillors as they pledged £5,000 to the Weymouth seafront lighting scheme.

The full council agreed to allocate money from the seafront and town centre lighting budget at a full council meeting on Wednesday.

The total cost of the lighting scheme is £265,000, with a grant of £200,000 pledged by the Coastal Communities Fund.

Dorset Council has agreed to fund the remaining £50,000, while Dorset Coast Forum will be providing £5,000.

Weymouth BID also pledged £5,000 on the condition that the town council paid the remaining £5,000.

During the meeting, councillors heard from Andy Cooke, a resident from Weymouth.

He said previous lighting schemes like the lasers gave Weymouth a ‘great story’ for visitors, but now the town didn’t have one, and the new lights could be it.

Mr Cooke said: “I spend a lot of time listening to visitors to this town, probably a lot more time than people here today.

“When visitors are concerned, they never bring up the fairy lights. It isn’t on their agenda.

“Get these lights in, it’s a godsend. You will be crazy if you don’t, it will be such a loss for the town.”

Cllr Christine James said she was not happy with the way the former borough council had dealt with the project.

Cllr Ryan Hope said: “We can’t dwell on the mistakes made by the previous council. What we have to do is learn from them and make sure they’re not repeated by this town council.

“We have an opportunity for investment in the town from central government of £200,000, it’s not something we get very often. Let’s grab this.”

He said he was also ‘excited’ to hear how the seafront lights could compliment the lights of Weymouth Pavilion.

When consulting on the new seafront lighting scheme, artists spoke with two schools in the area.

Cllr Tia Roos said: “I like the fact that the artists have tried to consult with two schools. A lot of children who live in the area will get to see their art and their designs.”

Cllr Richard Nickinson said: “We are where we are now. I don’t think you can blame the previous council for mistakes. It went to management committee and planning and to full council, where it was signed and approved.

“Quite honestly I don’t think it’s a question of blame, we just need to get on with it, let’s get the lights up.”

The lights have been designed by Tonkin Liu following consultations with residents and visitors of Weymouth.

At the meeting Natalie Poulter from Dorset Coast Forum said the lighting scheme is “ready to go.”

They will be erected sometime during September.