A scientific projection of rising sea levels shows that West Bay could be almost completely under water by 2030.

West Bay would be devastated, according to the projection map, with water reaching up past Melplash Showground and putting the beach and Esplanade firmly beneath the waves.

The data comes from the scientific research organisation Climate Central, which researches and reports the facts about the changing climate and how it affects people’s lives.

Its programme Sea Level Rise looks to provide accurate and clear information about rising sea levels and coastal flood hazards.

Climate Central admits that the projections ‘will always include some error’, adding the interactive map created to visualise the data should be used as a tool to 'identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk'.

The research group added: “Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

“Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers.”

 

Whilst West Bay would be the worst hit area across the region, there are lots of towns and villages across the coast that could lose key landmarks and heritage sites in the projections.

In Abbotsbury the swannery would be under serious threat whilst the south west coastal path could be washed away along the coastline.

At Burton Bradstock, the Jurassic Fun Centre and the Rolling Stone Bar are in the flood zone as are the car park and Anchor Inn at Seatown Beach.

Further west, the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre would be lost along with a host of attractions on Lyme Regis seafront.

The Lyme Regis Museum and Marine Aquarium might not survive as well as the lifeboat station, the amusement arcade and the antiques and craft centre.

Coastal erosion and flooding are areas of real concern across the region and Dorset Council is now eligible for a share of up to £3 million of funding to help with the problem.

Charmouth is set to receive some of the funding where action will be taken to potentially protect the heritage centre, especially from potential flooding.