After much anticipation, work is finally due to start on the new Weymouth seafront lighting scheme – a £265,000 project designed to enhance the promenade.

A total of 28 computer-controlled LED strips will be installed to lampposts along the promenade between the Pier Bandstand and the Pavilion.

Dorset Council says the work is due to start this Monday, with an approximate completion date of Monday, November 25.

The new lights aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere for evening strollers and improve views towards Weymouth Bay.

The LED strips can be programmed to be strikingly modern, gently muted or twinkly and reminiscent of the catenary lights, depending on events.

It’s not yet known when the lights will be switched-on following their installation. A launch event will be organised by Weymouth Town Council.

Meanwhile the seafront laser lights will continue to be in operation for the time being. However, the town council says it will ‘consider its options’ of using the lights in the coming months, due to the arrival of the new seafront lighting scheme.

The new lighting project has been plagued with controversy since its inception, with some councillors and members of the public disappointed with the final design.

Many wanted a return of the old ‘fairy lights’ that used to twinkle along the seafront but this scheme was ruled out.

In May, Cllr Christine James, called the new seafront lighting scheme ‘a disaster’ and called for further consultation with the community.

There were also delays with the lights originally due to be up and running by spring, but council officers struggled to find a contractor at the time.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Following a lengthy consultation period, we are delighted that installation is due to start on the new lighting scheme.

“We’ve taken the community’s opinions and concerns into consideration and are confident that the new design will transform Weymouth promenade.”

The Weymouth Promenade Artistic Lighting Scheme is part of Dorset Coastal Connections, a portfolio of 18 connected projects which aim to improve physical, digital and emotional connections to the coast in Dorset, supporting and growing the local economy.

The Dorset Coastal Connections team engaged with the Weymouth community, appointing Bounce Back Arts as local artistic lead to develop the brief and provide local stakeholder knowledge and have taken all feedback into account to help build the lighting design with designers Tonkin Liu.

Dorset Coastal Connections is a partnership portfolio supported by the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF).

The costings of the project are as follows: £200,000 CCF original grant, £50,000 Dorset Council, £5,000 Dorset Coast Forum, £5,000 Weymouth BID and £5,000 Weymouth Town Council.

Following completion of the project, the lights will be owned, operated and maintained by Weymouth Town Council.