WORKS to repair a footbridge on a beach in west Dorset have been delayed.

The footbridge on Charmouth beach was due to undergo nearly four weeks' worth of repairs that began in early January 2023. 

Originally works were forecast to have been completed on Friday, February 3. 

However, due to the recent freezing weather in Dorset, works to mend the bridge have been held back. 

This is because Dorset Council's workforce had to be diverted to gritting operations around the county to keep the roads as usable as possible in the sub-zero conditions. 

It is now predicted that the work will be completed in late February, although the bridge and footpath will be open to the public for the upcoming half-term week which begins on Monday, February 13.

As part of the works, the handrails and posts on the bridge are either being replaced or repaired as beachgoers have been warned by the council to find another route to the sandy shores during the closure. 

The official notice for the closure has been extended until Friday, March 3 2023 however it is anticipated that works will be completed before this allowing for the bridge to re-open.