CONTROVERSIAL work to install safety railings on Weymouth harbour has been delayed by at least a week.

As reported, railings were due to be added on Custom House Quay yesterday. But the work did not go ahead as planned - with no new official date released of when the railings will start to be installed.

It means the railings will not be in place ahead of the expected increase in visitors on April 12.

Instead, benches were installed on the quay.

Dorset Echo:

Dorset Council confirmed that Highways teams attended the site to carry out safety talks yesterday, and that they would be working over the weekend. But that work will not involve installing the rails.

A spokesman for the authority said: “The team has been conducting a safety ‘toolbox talk’ on site to ensure they are able to work securely, being that they will be working on the edge of the quay wall.

“Once the team has determined safe means of working, they will ensure they have appropriate safety equipment and return tomorrow to start the work.

“Work will continue on Saturday morning, rest on Sunday and will re-start again on Monday next week.”

But in response to further questions about when the railings themselves would be erected, the council said it was unable to give an answer until the holes are drilled, which is estimated to carry on until ‘at least early next week, but maybe longer’.

The railings were originally due to be installed on Tuesday April 6 but work was paused for 72 hours while talks took place between the council and harbour master.

Initially the plan was for railings to become a permanent fixture, with a review in the autumn - but following backlash from the community about the moves, the council announced that the railings would be temporary.

In a statement issued on Tuesday April 6, councillor Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council, said: “Highways officers are due to begin installation of the temporary safety railings this Thursday April 8, which will stay in place until after the summer season.”

He added: “An agreed 72 hour pause to the installation of the railings ends (on Wednesday), so work to start the installation of the temporary railings will begin on Thursday April 8, ahead of the expected increase in visitors. Alternative seating along the harbour will be provided as part of the scheme.”