PLANS to replace a public address system on Weymouth seafront with a 'horn' system have taken another step forward, after funding was approved by a council committee.

A total of £9,000 has now been allocated for the new horn system after councillors agreed to add a contingency of 20 per cent to the £7,500 cost of the system.

As previously reported, Weymouth Town Council's environment and services committee previously supported the installation of a 'horn system' to replace to existing PA system on the seafront, costing £7,500.

The new system would involve a cone-shaped speaker set up, and controlled by, the Beach Control Office near the King's Statue.

The current system - installed for the 2012 Olympic Games - uses a range of amplifiers, speakers and radio equipment. Broadcasts are made from the Pavilion, with an engineer required to turn the system on and off every time it is used.

Concerns were raised by come councillors that the new system may not be heard across the entire beach, however the plan was supported by the committee members.

Officers were also asked to look into the costings for a 100V line system with 90 speakers along the promenade.

At a meeting of the town council's finance and governance committee on Wednesday, February 7, committee members voted on a recommendation to allocate the funds to install the horn based system.

Cllr Ryan Hope, who is chairperson of the environment and services committee, but also sits on finance and government, said: "I fully endorse the recommendation.

"Investing this relatively small amount in a PA horn system at the Beach Office is a good move for now, however we requested officers bring back a future paper on renewing the whole seafront PA system going forward.

"This will do for what we need for safety matters now."

Cllr David Gray, chairperson of the finance and governance committee argued that the £7,500 figure was "not enough" and requested that a contingency of 20 per cent was added to the allocated funding, adding it up to £9,000.

The committee unanimously approved the proposal which will be voted on by full council, with the added recommendation, bringing the cost of the system to £9,000.