Harbour bosses at West Bay and Lyme Regis are feeling buoyed up after a bumper season.

Good weather contributed to both harbours being busier than usual with extra boats and extra income.

In Lyme visiting craft, staying overnight, went up by 50 per cent while in West Bay the pontoons were occupied to capacity for the majority of the season. Quayside parking was also up and is the waiting list for spaces.

Another success has been the temporary kayak racks at Lyme Regis which have been full this year. Similar racks are being investigated at West Bay with the hope of having them in place for the 2019 season.

A report to the West Dorset district council strategy committee on December 13th says that events at both harbours were also well attended.

Councillors are being asked to approve an increase of around 5 per for most fees at both harbours for the next season, although some admin’ fees will increase by a lower amount.

For day launches it will mean a rise from £18 to £19 for motorised vessels and from £10 to £10.50 for sailing boats. Per metre charges for private moorings will go up from £82.50 to £86.50 during the main season, if agreed.