AN extension of the Beacon Rocks is West Dorset district council's chosen scheme to protect Lyme Regis from the sea's destructive forces.

The engineers' decision, in preference to building more wooden groynes on the beach, was revealed on Tuesday. Town councillors at Lyme Regis have welcomed the choice. Mayor Ken Dibben said extending the Beacon Rocks would be less disruptive to the resort than a groynes scheme which would need repair within 15 to 20 years.

Backing for the Beacon scheme also came from Coun Stan Williams who said the groynes would fragment the beach, adding: "People like wide open spaces. The beacon rocks would protect us by breaking up the sea before it hit our walls."

Said Coun Ayvin Rogers said: "I support a beacon rocks extension because we need to keep the beach as clear as possible for recreational use. I am a little worried, however, about potential silting in the harbour. But if the district council is prepared to act as quickly as possible on this, I am very happy."

Coun Sally Holman said a Beacon Rocks extension would protect the Cobb, and this was why she greatly supported it.

"The district engineers recommended the Beacon Rocks scheme, although English Heritage favoured timber groynes," said town clerk Michael Lewis.

The announcement that the Beacon Rocks extension is to be the chosen scheme was made by West Dorset's engineering manager Keith Cole.

He said their decision followed consultation with the public and other groups including English Nature, English Heritage and Lyme Regis Coastal Forum.

If the planning application is successful it will see existing rock armour at the southern end of the Cobb double in length to a total of 110 metres and the beach replenished with sand and shingle.

The works are just one part of the overall Phase 2 coastal protection project at Lyme costing around £15million. Other works will include a new sea wall and promenade extension from the end of the existing Cart Road to the harbour as well as re-alignment of existing rock armour at the end of the North Wall.

Requiring little maintenance, the works will offer direct protection to the Cobb and harbour, particularly in south-easterly storm conditions as well as providing calmer sea conditions outside and inside the harbour.