Just over 25 years ago, on January 13, 1995, the Echo reported an end to the dispute over Weymouth’s quaint horse-drawn vehicles.

It was ruled that the vehicles would be allowed to continue as an attraction despite traffic problems and safety issues.

However, borough chief executive Murray Ashby was reported saying in a report that conditions were needed to tighten up the operation.

Mr Ashby noted the 'unsatisfactory situation' which arose in 1994 with two operators on the same routes within Weymouth. The result was “some traffic problems and safety issues,” with one working from the Pavilion forecourt and another from the highway outside.

He added: “The officers consider that on balance the continuation of some property regulated horse-drawn vehicles do constitute a sufficient attraction to override the obvious traffic and amenity objection.”

Yet to do this, Mr Ashby suggested that the situation must be regulated to avoid favouring one operator, to avoid car park entry and exit problems and to ensure no more than vehicle is standing near the Pavilion at one time.