RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on proposals for major changes at Weymouth harbourside before the deadline tomorrow.

As reported, Dorset Council is proposing a number of changes to the road layout at Custom House Quay, which include a new cycle lane, wider pavements, and the removal of 39 free parking spaces - in a bid to 'de-clutter' the area.

The work will be funded by a £438,000 grant from the Department for Transport Active Travel Fund.

The proposals follow temporary traffic restrictions along both sides of the harbour last summer, which proved controversial. However the council says these latest plans do not include proposals for pedestrianisation - with a consensus among many harbour users that it is a "compromise."

Residents are being asked to have their say on:

  • widening footways on both sides of the road
  • providing loading bays for harbour businesses and vessels
  • installing a contra-flow, on-road cycle lane (towards Pavilion) - cyclists heading towards Town Bridge will be in the road with the one-way flow of traffic. Cyclists heading towards The Pavilion will use a dedicated cycle lane, which will be against the flow of traffic.
  • provision of dedicated disabled parking bays
  • providing additional outdoor seating space for hospitality businesses
  • provision of cycle parking
  • installation of benches, planters and safety bollards

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “With a further £438,000 awarded to us from the Active Travel Fund, and the removal of the disused railway tracks along the harbour, we have a fantastic opportunity to reshape and enhance the harbour environment in Weymouth.

“We want to hear from businesses, residents, families and visitors to get a full, rounded picture of how Custom House Quay could better work as a mixed-use environment.”

The survey closes at 11:59pm tomorrow (Wednesday February 24.)

To take the survey, visit wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=161004572734