BUILDING work at the derelict former boat store on Weymouth's Castle Cove Beach has come to an abrupt halt amid health and safety concerns - with Dorset Council now stepping in to secure the site.

Dorset Echo: Sunrise over the structure - the day the site shut down Picture: Ben Tizard PhotographySunrise over the structure - the day the site shut down Picture: Ben Tizard Photography

The dilapidated structure is at the centre of a row after it emerged that officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have taken enforcement action following two recent visits, due to concerns the site is not safe.

Dorset Echo: Work has now been stopped following visits from HSEWork has now been stopped following visits from HSE

The owners, who are from London, plan to turn the former boat store into a sunbathing deck for the public by lowering it. However concerns have been ongoing about rusty metal and nails ending up on the sand, as well as old wood being removed and piled up next to the structure - although its owners contest accusations about unsafe working practices.

Dorset Echo: The new owners hotly deny unsafe working practicesThe new owners hotly deny unsafe working practices

Last Monday inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ordered Stephen Harper, one of the co-owners, to erect safety fencing around the site.

But the fencing was taken down just a few days later, after contractors were instructed to stop work.

Dorset Echo: Old wood from the deck has been stacked up next to the structure - prompting concerns about bonfires. The owners deny liability.Old wood from the deck has been stacked up next to the structure - prompting concerns about bonfires. The owners deny liability.

Around half of the deck has been lowered so far. Dorset Council has now stepped in to secure the site, and HSE has confirmed that work cannot resume until the owners comply with regulations.

Dorset Echo: Residents say the site poses a safety risk Picture: Dave TaylorResidents say the site poses a safety risk Picture: Dave Taylor

Councillor Clare Sutton, who represents Wyke and Rodwell for Dorset Council, said: "This is a very difficult and worrying situation, particularly because so many children play on the beach close by.

"Personally, I’d love to see this eyesore transformed into a community asset which locals and visitors could enjoy, but it doesn’t really matter what I think - in the immediate term, the bottom line is that the site must be made safe and that any developments are legal.

"A number of Dorset Council staff across various departments have been working hard behind the scenes but up until now safety has been the responsibility of HSE. Now that construction appears to have ceased Dorset Council’s head of planning Mike Garrity has assured me that the site will be secured as soon as possible."

Dorset Echo: Safety fencing was abruptly removed on MondaySafety fencing was abruptly removed on Monday

Last week Portland Port also confirmed that the necessary Tidal Works License had not been granted for the site.

Stephen Harper, one of the two co-owners of the deck, said: "We've stopped work for the minute. Dorset Council has spoken to me, but nothing major."

A HSE spokesman said: "HSE has been to site twice and taken enforcement action. However, the work on site has stopped and therefore we have worked with the local authority to ensure the site remains secure while no work activity is ongoing.

"Action needs to be taken by the duty holder to secure compliance before construction work can recommence."

Dorset Council was contacted for comment.