Plans to resurface the roof above the By the Bay restaurant and amusement arcade in the town look set to be put on hold.

The news comes after town councillors agreed three priority projects in May, which include the resurfacing plus the remodelling of the Anning Road playing field and the replacement of seafront railings.

At the last strategy and policy meeting, suggested project costs were announced, which included £120,000 to remodel the playing field, £40,000 to replace the seafront railings and approximately £80,000 for roof resurfacing.

Councillors were asked to consider approving the remodelling of the playing field and replacing the seafront railings as projects for the 2015/2016 financial year – but consider the project of roof resurfacing at a later date.

A report by town clerk John Wright told councillors: “A proposal on possible development options for Langmoor and Lister Gardens will be taken to the town management committee on November 26. Any proposal for the renewal of the roof should be considered once the council has developed firm proposals for this area.”

Mr Wright encouraged members to consider the resurfacing of the roof when income from the town council taking back Monmouth Beach car park – estimated at £170,000 per year – begins to materialise.

He added: “Our position strengthens considerably in the following year because of this.

“We don’t want to be over optimistic. In effect this is a pre-budget strategy report.”

Councillors were keen that the remodelling of the playing field remains a priority, with Cllr Cheryl Reynolds suggesting other funding could be considered for the project, including approaching Magna Housing Association for financial help.

John Wright’s report also told councillors: “I estimate the town council will have a maximum of £231,000 to spend on projects; but this assumes the budget breaks even in 2015/2016. Not only would this leave no contribution to future years’ projects, it leaves no headroom for error or unforeseen expenditure.”

Due to this, he also advised that the council budgets for a surplus of up to £80,000 over the next two years, after transfers to council reserves.

The report added: “This leaves a net amount of up to £151,000 available for projects in 2015/2016; enough to fund the remodelling of Anning Road playing field and replacement of the seafront railings.”

Councillors were also made aware that there could be cost implications arising from West Dorset District Council’s service review programme.

The report ended: “For example, if the Tourist Information Centre is no longer funded by WDDC or is re-provided in a different format, then decisions may need to be made about the town council’s use of its office.”