INTERNATIONAL artist Michael Pinsky will be helping to shape improvements worth nearly £2m at West Bay near Bridport, Dorset.

Pinsky grabbed media attention earlier this year for his Hull UK City of Culture piece, The City Speaks. The installation included a giant screen fitted on the tidal barrier which enabled people to have their words projected across the city. Although the computer software was programmed not to project rude words, several cheeky messages slipped through. Most famous was 'send nudes'.

The West Bay projects cover the 'welcome hub' by the Green where motorcyclists meet, visitors enjoy fish and chips and residents appreciate the view; the construction of a boardwalk and possibly a viewing platform on East Beach, plus enhancements to the West Beach promenade; and the creation of a cycle path between West Bay and Bridport.

Pinksy said: 'I am really looking forward to working in West Bay. It's a striking village with magnificent views, however much of the place is fragmented and otherwise attractive buildings sit amongst a sea of cars.

'I am hoping that the work that I am involved in over the next year will help create a more cohesive place which will allow people to walk easily and safely through the village'.

Pinsky is part of a cross-disciplinary team of engineers, planners and consultants. These projects are part of the wider Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio of 18 projects funded by the Coastal Community Fund and coordinated by the Dorset Coast Forum, who are working collaboratively with The Arts Development Company and the individual project teams.

Cleo Evans, Art and Environment Lead at the Arts Development Company said: 'It's fantastic to have an artist of this calibre working on West Bay. His work is internationally renowned and exceptionally high quality.'

Work will start after the New Year.