WEYMOUTH is to once again stage the UK’s biggest Ironman triathlon this September - as an agreement was signed and sealed for another three events to be hosted in the town.

Town councillors debated the plans - and although words of caution were raised about previous ‘chaotic’ scenes at the event - there was enthusiastic consensus that it is a major coup for the local economy - estimated to generate more than £5 million.

During a virtual Full Council meeting members heard how scrutiny had taken place after the first Ironman held in Weymouth in 2016 - which proved controversial amid lengthy road closures.

But those problems were largely ironed out according to councillors - with subsequent events being much shorter than the initial ‘double Ironman’.

Confidential documents detailing financial elements of the proposal were not made public - however it is understood that the council will not charge organisers for use of the beach in recognition of the economic boost to the area.

And it was also stated that many other cities and towns around the world pay organisers between £50,000 - £70,000 to secure the high profile triathlon.

Mayor of Weymouth, councillor Colin Huckle said: “The event attracts in excess of 2,000 competitors and their supporters, who often spend several days in the area. Most areas pay them a lot of money for this - we don’t.”

The event - which was cancelled last year - comprises a 1.2 mile swim off Preston Beach, 56-mile bike ride through Dorset and a 13.1 mile run finishing on Weymouth seafront.

In 2019, 2,850 athletes took part in the event, making Weymouth the biggest Iron Man 70.3 in the UK and the third biggest in Europe.

Commending council officers’ efforts in preparing the plans, councillor Ryan Hope said: “A lot of work has been done... I know it’s a hindrance sometimes - previously the cycling was the main issue - however that is Dorset Council’s responsibility as Highways authority more than the town council.

“Our main responsibility is for part of the run on the promenade and the beach, which normally goes very well.

“I’d like to propose that it goes forward as it is very important for the town and a lot of our businesses benefit - it’s definitely something we should continue to support.”

Echoing those comments, councillor David Northam said: “The document is tedious to a huge degree - I admire the officers working through it - I applaud this and ask for clarity over the financial details - as far as I can see this is something we are doing because it benefits the locality - it actually affords no income to Weymouth Town Council.”

Councillor Kate Wheller said: “I was involved in the scrutiny process after the first event, which was very popular to some and not to others.

“I want to be assured that all the safety measures are in place and it won’t come down on us as an authority in any way, and we don’t get any bad press if there are any problems in terms of security and so on.

“The first one was very very popular but very chaotic - the second one, after the scrutiny, worked out very well and was very popular -and although we don’t get any financial benefit to the council there’s a very dramatic financial benefit to the town as a whole. But what I don’t want is for there to be any particular element that we would pick up a backlash from.”

Tony Hurley, operations manager at Weymouth Town Council, gave assurances that the plans will go through a safety advisory group and that event organisers are fully aware of their responsibilities.

Councillor Jan Bergman added: “I think this is incredibly positive - it’s good for Weymouth, it’s good commercially, it has prestige, and is a good advert for health and fitness for our youngsters which is really important.”

Meanwhile councillor Kevin Brookes said: “I think this is an absolutely fabulous event for the town. Any event of this aptitude we can host here is a good thing.”

“With reference to comments that the first iron man was full of problems and chaotic - let’s not forget that the first Ironman was a double Ironman - this is just a half Ironman, instead of 100 odd miles on the bike and five miles in the sea - there was a big issue regarding road closures. The second event was only a half Ironman and the roads were open sooner.

“Some towns and cities in the world pay £50,000 to £70,000 to have that event - if we can get away with doing it for little or no cost we should grasp it with both hands.”

Councillor Graham Lambert added that the event highlights the need for good rail links and bus services to minimise air pollution.

A unanimous vote was taken in favour for the host agreement to be signed for events to take place this September, and in 2022 and 2023.