A PROJECT that will "inspire people to explore West Bay" has received a share of £13m of government funding to regenerate coastal areas.

The former West Bay Methodist Church, a grade II listed building, will be transformed into the West Bay Discovery Centre and has been handed a £240,000 grant from the government.

A total of £5.6m has also been awarded to the Dorset Coastal Connections – People and Places project, including a host of initiatives across west Dorset.

The discovery centre project is being led by the Bridport Area Development Trust with the support of the Bridport and West Bay Coastal Community Team.

Trust director John West, said: “We’re delighted by this news. The discovery centre is an exciting concept that aims to inspire people to explore all that West Bay has to offer, including the geology, flora, fauna and marine life.

"The centre will incorporate changing displays and interactive elements as well a local information hub.

He added: “We aim to inspire repeat visits to West Bay, especially outside of the main season and provide information for families, developed with input from local people and specialists.

"Our plans include guided walks and trails, treasure hunts and challenges."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The funding was secured with the support of the Bridport and West Bay Coastal Community Team, which includes Bridport Town Council, Bridport Local Area Partnership, Bridport Area Development Trust, Bridport and District Tourism Association, Bridport Business Chamber, West Bay Community Forum, West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council.

Cllr Sarah Williams, leader of Bridport Town Council, said: “This is fantastic news and thanks to all involved in putting the bid together. This shows the value of working with partners in a Coastal Community Team (CCT).

"As well as supporting this application, the CCT also supported a separate application from the Dorset Coast Forum CCT, which has also been successful and includes within it funding for other projects in West Bay. It is really pleasing to see the Bridport and West Bay Coastal Community Team helping to bring forward projects and funding for West Bay.”

Included in the Dorset Coastal Connections – People and Places project is £270,000 towards improved cycle access at West Bay, a grant of £32,000 for beach access at West Bay, a £126,000 boost for a west Dorset welcome project. A Lyme Regis art trail project received £246,000 while £200,000 was given towards lighting for Weymouth seafront.

Dorset Coast Forum coordinator Bridget Betts, said: “The Dorset coast is a real asset to Dorset and having and sustaining a thriving coastal economy is very important. "Regeneration and development of seaside towns and coastal areas is one priority for the Department of Communities and Local Government and for us – we are thrilled to have been successful in our bid.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The Town Mill, Lyme Regis

A VILLAGE will be connected with a tourist attraction after funding was awarded to the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Coastal Community Team (CCT).

The team, established by LymeForward, has been awarded £274,000 from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund to create the Lyme Regis Trail Link, upgrading the public footpath connecting the Town Mill in Lyme Regis to Uplyme village hall. This path is well used all year round, but is currently impractical for the elderly, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs and small children.

Linking with the sculpture trail in Lyme, the South West Coast path, and a number of other walking routes, the redesigned path will encourage visitors to explore Lyme Regis while providing an attractive and inspiring environment for locals, say supporters.

Adrian Ragbourne, coordinator for LymeForward, said: “The Dorset coastline is a real asset and extremely important to us locally, as is having and sustaining a thriving coastal economy.

“Regeneration and development of seaside towns and coastal areas is one priority for the government, and we are thrilled to receive more funding through our CCT to invest in the local area.”