RENOVATION of Lyme Regis Cobb should proceed with urgency, councillors have stated.

A budget of £200,000 over three years was agreed by the West Dorset District Council Executive Committee to carry out monitoring of structure movements and develop engineering proposals for the strengthening and renovation of the Cobb.

The funding will be drawn from corporate projects reserves. As owner and coast protection authority, the council is responsible for maintenance and repair of the Grade I Listed Cobb harbour structures.

Cllr Mary Penfold said: “I strongly support this recommendation. It needs to get done.”

Cllr Tony Alford suggested that the recommendations proceed with urgency.

The report descried the Cobb is a working harbour, an important historic structure, a major tourist attraction and a fundamental element of the town’s coast defences. The harbour structures, with their rock extensions, form a bay which protects the town frontage from storm waves and keeps the sand and shingle beaches stable.

The report added: “Progressive movement of the structure is ongoing and this is apparent in longitudinal cracking and slab separation in both the low and high walkways as the main wall gradually spreads. Cracks and damage to wall facing are also apparent and raise concern over loss of core material and sudden collapse during storm conditions.”

Councillors also raised their concerns over the surface of the Cobb. This was backed up in the report which stated: “Several injuries due to trips are reported each year and the surface is difficult and uncomfortable for wheelchair users.”

Cllr Daryl Turner welcomed the decision, describing it as an “excellent result”.

Writing on Twitter, Cllr Turner said: “The Executive Committee at West Dorset District Council just approved £200,000 towards preparatory work on the Cobb works. WDDC executive also asked for “urgency” on Cobb works due to potential future government reorganisation.”