THE annual dredging of Lyme Regis Harbour will begin on Thursday to coincide with the lowest tides of the year.

The works will run until Wednesday, April 13, with tide levels dictating the amount of access that hired machinery has and certain areas are only accessible during these times.

This phase of maintenance by West Dorset District Council, will include beach work and dredging both the harbour and Victoria's Pool.

These works will be carried out at the same time - with material being used from the dredging to replenish material lost on the beach.

Members of the public are encouraged to stay off the beach while sand moving operations are taking place.

The shingle beach in front of the phase two sea defences will also be re-profiled during this time, with large excavators being used. Public access will be restricted while the machine is being used. Banksmen will be on hand to ensure the public remain safe.

David Brown, West Dorset District Council’s head of assets and infrastructure, advised members of the public to pay attention to warning messages during the closure of certain areas and that the work had a navigational purpose.

He said: “These works are necessary in order to maintain navigational approaches into the harbour and ensure the beaches are returned to their intended profiles.

“While we always aim to keep disruption to a minimum, inevitably there will be some areas that will be cordoned off during these works. I would ask the public to be aware of warning signs in place.”

Last month, the outer harbour and entrance at West Bay was dredged by the district council - with the materials taken to help re-profile West Beach.

The work also coincided with low tides, which saw West Beach closed while work was carried out and the esplanade was closed to vehicles.