PLANS have been unveiled to create a temporary outdoor seating area on Weymouth’s harbourside to enable pubs and restaurants to reopen next month - by removing free parking bays along the quay. 

As reported, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out a roadmap for easing of lockdown measures, including dates for when pubs, bars and restaurants are allowed to reopen.

The Government's plan states that only hospitality businesses with outside seating provisions will be allowed to open on April 12.

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Dorset Council is proposing to create a space for tables and chairs to be put on streets outside pubs and restaurants along the north side of the harbour at Custom House Quay from April 12 onwards, to enable those without outside seating to reopen.

The council said it is still finalising details of the scheme and is consulting with businesses on both sides of the harbour.

It is understood this would not involve full pedestrianisation of the road, but would mean around 39 free parking bays would be removed in order to keep the road open to traffic.

The council recently held a consultation on proposals to implement similar, permanent changes on Custom House Quay - as well as the addition of a new contra-flow cycle lane.

The responses to that consultation have not yet been published although the council has previously stated that reactions were broadly in favour of the plans, with harbour users considering it to be a compromise between pedestrianisation and the need to maintain vehicle access for fishing and charter boats.

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Dorset councillor Louie O'Leary - who has been among those most vocal in support of a working harbour for fishing and charter boats - said: "I am in regular contact with local fishermen and boat operators and overall I am pleased at the level of engagement from Dorset Council with our fishermen as well as fuel operators.

"This avoids the disaster of last year's scheme for our fishermen and hopefully is a happy compromise."

Meanwhile, president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce Craig Oakes said: "We're appreciative that the council is putting measures in place in recognition of the lockdown restrictions being lifted on April 12, which would otherwise mean that some of these businesses wouldn't be able to operate, besides offering takeaway services."

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We’re currently speaking with businesses on both sides of Weymouth harbour to establish which sitting out areas are being applied for, and trying to ensure appropriate licences are in place to support hospitality businesses reopening for outdoor service on 12 April.

“As part of this we are looking at what temporary measures may be needed, once again, to ensure there is space for additional outdoor seating and to allow for social-distancing, while it remains in place. This will not include pedestrianisation of the harbourside.

“The situation is challenging as we begin the process of economic recovery after the pandemic, balancing short-term temporary measures with longer-term permanent changes. Having recently carried out a survey to gauge opinion for proposed permanent enhancements to Custom House Quay, we’re having to consider these responses while making plans for the busy visitor season.

“We’re hoping to have these details finalised in the next week or so, having discussed ideas with local harbour businesses.”