FURTHER concerns have been raised over the state of the Cobb at Lyme Regis.

An engineering inspection has found the base of the supporting seaward wall close to the Cobb buildings in poor condition.

Specialists called in by Dorset Council are recommending remedial works including grouting between the stone blocks and infilling voids which have developed.

However, the price for the work was higher than expected leaving the authority now looking to find some additional finance, although councillors are being told that they still hope to have the work completed before the winter.

At the same time officers are seeking to close a shortfall for a larger, overall, scheme for the Cobb, working with the Environment Agency on a bid to the Government to help with the, undisclosed, cost.

Work on that project was expected to start in the winter of 2025 but is now likely to get underway in the spring of 2026, subject to permit and licensing approval, and assuming the finance can be found.

Consultations about the scheme are currently underway, mainly with statutory agencies and commercial harbour users, while design work continues in parallel with those talks, with attempts being made to slim down the project while at the same time remaining effective.

Recently completed works to the Cobb, following a storm in March,  include patching the surface of the top wall which had lost grouting.