COUNCILLORS will no longer hold private sessions to discuss the future of buildings around the Monmouth beach car park.

Lyme Regis Town Council had held a series of workshops to discuss the future of council-owned assets at the site.

But members of local clubs, including Lyme Regis Sailing Club and Lyme Regis Bowling Club voiced concerns that leases for premises may not be renewed, after the authority published a report showing the potential for car parking spaces or chalets at the area.

At last week's full council meeting, Cllr Derek Hallett called on the authority to reassure clubs they they will not be evicted when leases are due for renewal in March.

He said: "They are all concerned and I think I would like to propose that we leave all four clubs alone so that they can get on with their business for the time being.

"They all think they are going to be thrown out."

Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Owen Lovell has once again moved to reassure the public that no decision has been made and that he believes it is better for councillors to have the full picture when determining the future of the area.

He said: "There has never been any intention to stop them getting on with their business.

"I know there have been some worries and I think we should look at all of it down there and not just part of it.

"I do want a meeting with the groups before we make any decision and I think that is a priority for the next few months."

Town clerk John Wright said the clubs involved would want "short-term security" over their future at Monmouth beach.

Councillors agreed that future working group sessions will be open to the public.

Cllr Anita Williams said: "There is a lot of concern.

"The leases have to be reviewed. I would like to ask that any working group is open to the public.

"I know members find it easier to talk about things in private, but that's not what democracy should be about."