Residents fear the new sea wall walkway – part of the multimillion pound East Cliff stabilisation work – is dangerous to children.

The claims come after construction work on the project was completed ahead of schedule in August.

The latest phase of West Dorset District Council’s environmental improvements scheme has been working to stabilise the slope at Church Cliff and East Cliff, protecting homes, businesses, roads, and utilities.

Work on Phase IV began in April last year and heavy construction work was completed this August, with public access to the new sea wall walkway available from August 18.

However, the sea wall has come under fire lately, with residents and those from the surrounding areas claiming it isn’t safe.

Lyme resident Judith Biscoe said: “The new sea wall is a tremendous achievement, and hopefully will stabilise Lyme for years to come at that end.

“But a small child, or even a dog could be at risk by possibly falling under the railings to the beach and this should be addressed as it is of considerable height.

“It’s a shame this was not thought of during construction as it would’ve saved further expense.

“Ultimately however, the parents of any children are responsible for their safety, but unfortunately there are some people who are perhaps unaware of dangers.”

Others took to social media to share their views and concerns.

On Facebook, Clare Barber claimed the sea wall ‘is a death or serious injury in the making’ and said the railings would not protect younger children from falling off the walkway.

She urged those who are worried about the safety of the sea wall to contact the engineering department at West Dorset District Council.

But Lyme Regis resident Emma Blackmore said: “It’s all about beach or coastline safety and awareness.

“We’re fortunate growing up on the coast because we’re aware of this. Others aren’t as lucky as we are.”

The sea wall walkway will be closed for approximately three weeks in October while steps and a footpath linking it to Charmouth Road Car Park are completed.

Cllr Robert Gould, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “We appreciate the concerns regarding the hand railings on the new sea wall.

“A very thorough risk assessment and a second independent review was carried out, which concluded the safety of the railings met all British and industry standards.

“The hand railing on the new sea wall was also constructed to a very similar specification to that of the Phase I and Phase II works.

“As with any stretch of coastline with or without safety railings, we would urge the public to obey warning signs and use common sense and caution at all times.

“The £19.5million Phase IV works has been a crucial and complex engineering project for Lyme Regis, safeguarding homes, businesses and infrastructure from the effects of coastal erosion.”

An ‘official opening’ of the scheme will be arranged before next summer, once all the remaining work is finished and the extensive planting has become established.

Described as a key feature of the scheme carried out by contractors Dean and Dyball Civil Engineering, the new sea wall is designed to deflect waves back to the sea to prevent erosion of the cliffs and include a pedestrian walkway with seating.