SCIENTISTS have been making waves as part of a study into the impact of Weymouth's new marina.

Key players in the future of Weymouth's Pavilion redevelopment checked out a working model of the proposed marina at a research centre in Oxfordshire.

Weymouth and Portland Borough councillors joined representatives from the town's sailing clubs, the RNLI and Weymouth Civic Society to inspect the 1:50 scale model of the marina at HR Wallingford's hydraulics research centre.

Researchers have been undertaking a series of tests on the marina model to investigate the impact on wave patterns, the town's beach and other effects of the development.

The team at HR Wallingford will collate the results in a report to be published next month.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's spokesman for environment and sustainability Councillor Doug Hollings said: "It was fascinating to see the model in action.

"They generate wave action and sea level heights then take precise measurements.

"There are instruments all round the model which measure the height of the water and height of the waves under extreme conditions.

"The scientists then look at the results and compare them with the mathematically compiled model."

Coun Hollings said that, so far, the model shows the impact of the 290-berth marina is minimal, apart from in one or two small areas.

These include around Weymouth Rowing Club at Nothe Parade where the new marina did result in an increase in the height of the waves.

Coun Hollings said: "We discussed ways of minimising these problems and the scientists are going to look at that with the model.

"We look forward to seeing the final results in the full report but in general it seems to suggest that, even under extreme conditions, there were no major problems."

Weymouth RNLI's Captain John Harvey said: "It was a very interesting day and I was very grateful to be given the opportunity to visit the centre.

"I look forward to seeing the final results of the research."

David Joy represented Weymouth Civic Society on the visit and reported back to the group.

He raised concerns over the value of such a small-scale model, which were echoed by society president Pru Bollam.

Mrs Bollam said: "Such a model cannot interpret the full-scale real life situation of the wave conditions and effects on the seabed and drifting of the sand. It would be unsustainable to end up with large volumes of sand, or even rubbish, drifting from the harbour. It is the Weymouth Civic Society's opinion that such a large marina is not necessary in this location."