West Bay and Lyme Regis: Annual dredging begins on popular Dorset harbours

Annual dredging on two harbours has begun.

The work at West Bay and Lyme Regis harbours began this week, and is expected to last until the end of March.

Every year sediment deposited in the ports over the last 12 months is removed from the navigational channels and used to build up the local beaches.

Some areas of the beaches will be fenced off for safety due to the machinery being used during the work.

Dorset council has warned people that the colour of the sea will change, due to sand particles in the water.

Dredged sand is often darker in colour due to a lack of exposure to oxygen on the seabed.

The council is also discouraging swimming during the works because of the potential for allergic reactions caused by these particles.

But the council reassured people that the beauty of local beaches would not be affected, as the dredged sand will be placed below a layer of pre-existing sand.

Dredging at Lyme Regis is expected to be completed by 5 March, with the work at West Bay lasting until 28 March.

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