Ironman to be debated at Weymouth Full Council meeting

The town council is holding a meeting this evening that can be watched via Facebook as councillors discuss projects including the high-profile Ironman event, which is set to make a return to the resort, as well as a brand new Mural Trail project.

Plans for the Mural Trail have been in the works since last year and would see artists creating a sequence of 'spectacular' pictorial murals throughout the town in a bid to boost civic pride and promote community spirit.

A mural project is planned for Weymouth

Councillor Alex Fuhrmann, project champion for the Mural Trail, said: “This project is very exciting - the goal is to enhance the look and feel of Weymouth, promote its community spirit and history, while also encouraging our local and visiting community to follow and enjoy the trail throughout the town.”

So far, officers have selected sites, engaged specialist advice, liaised with artists, and discussed potential funding options with partners. Residents can hear latest updates about the project by tuning in to tonight's meeting.

Also on the agenda, councillors will debate plans for securing the Ironman 70.3 event for 2021-2023.

This high-profile event was held in Weymouth from 2016-2019, and in 2019 attracted 2,850 competitors with many thousands of supporters and spectators generating an estimated £5 million boost to the local economy.

• READ MORE: Councillors think decision to cancel Ironman was 'prudent'
• READ MORE: Disappointed Ironman organiser was 'confident' event could have gone ahead safely

This event is the 3rd biggest Ironman event in Europe, with athletes from around the world taking on the challenge of a 1.2-mile sea swim in Weymouth Bay, a 56-mile bike ride around Dorset and then a 13.1-mile half marathon along Weymouth seafront, with a grandstand finish in front of Weymouth Pavilion.

The event has proven controversial in the past, however, with some residents unhappy about road closures - so tonight's meeting will be an opportunity for councillors to put forward any concerns on behalf of their constituents. Weymouth Town Council said it is working closely with the Ironman organisation and local partners, including Dorset Council.

The Ironman and Mural Trail watch the debate on those projects, among others on a packed agenda, tune into the Full Council meeting from 7pm on the Weymouth Town Council Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WeymouthWTC

The full agenda and papers for this meeting can also be found on the town council’s website: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/committee/

• Tomorrow there will be a second Full Council on Weymouth Beach and residents are invited to come along and ask questions at 11am outside the Beach Office. Click here for more details.