BRIDPORT: Inner harbour dredging in West Bay starts this week.

An amphibious excavator will scoop sand and sediment from the seabed to ensure the harbour remains deep enough for boats, especially at low tide.

The inner harbour west basin dredging was due to start yesterday and will last around four weeks.

Working times will be between 7am and 7pm depending on the tides.

It follows on from last year’s successful dredging of the inner harbour’s east basin. Harbour users are asked to be aware of plant working at the site and keep out of the harbour’s west basin at all times.

River and harbour users are also asked to be aware of the sluice gate operation as this will be done where possible on a daily basis to remove the material.

Harbour users have been informed about the work and alternative arrangements have already been made.

Cllr Robert Gould, the leader of West Dorset District Council, said the sediment build-up is a common occurrence in active harbours and dredging is required periodically to ensure harbour operations are not affected.

He said: “This important work needs to be carried out to ensure access in and out of the harbour.

“The district council endeavours to keep disruption to a minimum and we thank everyone for their cooperation.”

For any concerns or queries please contact Bridport harbour master James Radcliffe on 07870 240636.