Work to replace the harbour wall at West Bay has been delayed - for another year.

The wall has been earmarked to be replaced for well over a year now, and it looks like work will not begin until 2025, meaning the repairs will not be completed until early 2026.

In March, emergency repairs took place on harbour wall B which involved installing 35 metres of steel sheet piling to the toe of the wall, and filling in any holes that had opened up.

READ: West Bay: Snack Shack traders reacts to harbour wall repairs

Food kiosks positioned by the harbour wall were forced to close for several weeks as the repairs were carried out and Dorset Council said the work would take place this winter to replace the wall - in order to avoid the busy summer season. 

The harbour wall before emergency repairs were carried out in March 2024The harbour wall before emergency repairs were carried out in March 2024 (Image: Newsquest)

The Mound car park was also shut during this time to allow for materials and construction equipment – including an excavator and large crane - to be kept at the site.

However, the pathway along the top of the wall has remain closed and was due to reopen once the work was completed in early 2025. 

READ: West Bay harbour wall repairs underway as food outlets close

It now means the path could not reopen until 2026 once the work is complete.

It is expected that the work to complete the full repairs of the wall could take up to six months once they do finally get underway.

Repairs made to the harbour wall in March 2024Repairs made to the harbour wall in March 2024 (Image: Newsquest) A decision has been made to to not begin the work in early 2025 in order to avoid creating an impact on local businesses during the busy spring and summer months due to the length of time needed to carry out the reconstruction of the wall.

READ: West Bay harbour wall repairs could disrupt traders

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “We hoped that the next phase of works to harbour wall B at West Bay would start this winter.

"However, due to the complicated nature of the repair work and the expected timeframe to have all the necessary permissions in place, these works will now begin in autumn 2025."

“We could start the works this coming spring but, as they’re expected to last around six months, this would clash with peak trading season for local businesses, so we’ve agreed to delay them until afterwards.

READ: West Bay Harbour wall repairs to force food kiosks to shut

"In the meantime, our Engineering Team will continue to monitor the wall, and there is an emergency plan in the unlikely event of further substantial movement.

“We have informed local businesses and key stakeholders of our revised plans, and will keep them updated throughout as we look to progress these essential works as quickly as possible.”