FUNDING worth £1 million has been agreed to strengthen and re-surface the Cobb at Lyme Regis.

West Dorset district councillors nodded through the funding on Tuesday, the contribution from local council taxpayers, towards a project which may finally cost upwards of £2.3 million. The rest of the money will come from a Defra grant.

Councillors were told that unless the work is done the Cobb could face a sudden collapse in storm conditions.

District strategy committee members heard that preparatory work on the Grade 1 listed structure has revealed ‘significant’ signs of scour which is destabilising the structure.

The work will also improve the surface of the Cobb and make improvements to the landing quay and Cobb Buildings.

At the same meeting funding of an additional half a million was agreed to improve the Harbour Master’s office.

Cllr John Russell said the work to the Cobb was needed to stabilise the structure and protect and add a new surface.

“We need to hold back the sea and protect Lyme Regis harbour for the foreseeable future,” he said, proposing the spending from the council’s capital reserves fund.

The Cobb walls will be protected with rock facing, some of it clad in Portland Roach stone.

Commented Cllr Alan Thacker: “ We have spent huge amount of money in Lyme Regis, lots of it has come from Defra. This seems extremely worthwhile and we can’t dodge our responsibility.”

An officer report summed up the problems facing the ancient structure: “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.”

The report said that the surface of the Cobb was now poor in places, restricting access to the less able, while the landing quay was no longer fit for purpose. A new path, 1.2m wide on the Cobb wall, is expected to be surfaced in Portland Roach stone to give a smoother surface. Power and water supplies will be placed under the path in ducting.

The work will also see a barrier installed on the steps to the high wall with low level lighting on the inner harbour edge of the low walkway to reduce the risk of people falling into the harbour.

A public consultation about the proposed works is expected to be held in Lyme Regis in the coming weeks with a separate meeting possible at the stage when the application is about to go for planning permission and listed building consent.

Talks have been held with Historic England and other consultations will now take place with the Environment Agency, Dorset County Council, Natural England, Lyme Regis Town Council, local residents, the Lyme Regis Coastal Forum, and the Marine Management Organisation.