WEYMOUTH harbour could be dredged to a lower depth in some areas – if it is likely to attract larger vessels.

The idea of increasing the dredge depth from 2m to 2.5m is being considered by harbourmaster Jamie Joyce.

He gave the news in response to a question from Weymouth councillor David Gray at this week’s harbours committee.

The meeting heard that the harbour was expecting a better season in the months to come, compared to last year which was curtailed by the pandemic, although there had been an increase in use of the public slip for launching.

Mr Joyce said there appeared to be a renewed interest from potential visitors for the coming season and commercial activities had held up well with two new commercial contracts likely to be soon concluded. He said that the harbour would see some savings during the year by paying less rates on Peninsula buildings which were in the process of being demolished.

The harbourmaster told councillors new signage was being put in place for Custom House Quay to warn visitors that the area was part of a working harbour with a need to be cautious and that lighting around sections of the Commercial Road pontoons was being improved after winning grant support to help pay for the work. Further work on light and electric bollards would take place around the Cove at the end of March to serve the commercial vessels using the area.

A new online system is now in place for people to book and pay for slipway launches together with a new web-based system for reporting defects around the harbour and any incidents which might need attention.

Other new uses of technology in the harbour include using a drone to inspect sections of the harbour wall that are, otherwise, difficult to reach.

The harbour now also has a Weymouth Harbour Watch Community group to improve security around the harbour and marina with volunteers working alongside harbour staff.