RESIDENTS and councillors have voiced their dismay over 'ghastly' new railings at Weymouth harbour - which have been compared to scaffolding in appearance.

As reported, Dorset Council is installing temporary railings along Custom House Quay from the town bridge end to the fish loading bay, amid safety concerns.

The plans to prevent people sitting on the harbour wall have proven controversial - and the council has tried to mitigate concerns about the loss of somewhere to sit by putting benches along the harbour.

The new metal railings started appearing on Tuesday but are now attracting further criticism due to their appearance.

Dorset Echo:

Councillor Tia Roos, who sits on Weymouth Town Council and represents Melcombe Regis ward, said: "Many Weymouth Town Councillors are really disappointed that residents and councillors have not been contacted or consulted with over the railings along the harbourside.

READ MORE: Petition against harbour railings

"I personally think they are ghastly looking - not much better than scaffolding - and ruin the beautiful view to the other side of the harbour, whilst being useless. People have told me they will just sit on the railings."

She added: "I think safety is a poor reason for this, and, had they consulted people first and put in place something possibly better, they may have got a more positive response.

"I don’t actually think it’s necessary and is a waste of public money."

Dorset Echo:

Councillor Jon Orrell, who sits on both Dorset Council and the town council, and also represents Melcombe Regis, said: "If railings are to be imposed then painting them the same white and green colour as the railings on the opposite side would be best. The positioning seems odd."

Meanwhile an Echo reader poll conducted yesterday showed 322 in favour of the railings, 514 against and 29 undecided, with the poll still ongoing at the time of writing.

Some readers were in favour of the railings: Sebastian Blundell said: "Good - now the harbour is safe - thank you Dorset Council. I know opinions are divided but if these railings save lives then it’s worth it."

Dorset Echo:

Deborah Ann Bowden said: "I am all for the railings. Although surely it would’ve actually made much more sense to have match the black railings that are already in place the other end. Much more pleasing to the eye."

Those against included Brian Greatrex, who said: "The effort made by pubs to enhance the outside areas is great. Until you get to these railings. I understand the need for railings, but surely something better looking than these scaffold poles can be found."

Sharin Trevelyan said: "These look absolutely hideous. As many have already said they look like cheap scaffolding poles and they’re not going to stop people at all, you can just duck underneath them and still sit on the wall.

"They certainly wouldn’t stop a small child from falling in that’s for sure.

"I sympathise with any family who has lost a loved one along here but if they really wanted to deter people from getting too close they needed to have done a better job."

  • Dorset Council was contacted for comment