VISITOR Alexandra Fairburn, retired and from North Yorkshire, said: “It would be quite a special feature. I cannot think of anywhere else with anything like it. It would make the seafront memorable.”

Unemployed Geoff Trott, 53, , from Weymouth, said: “It would make the town look different so that could be some sort of reason for people to come here. A bit of modern with the old could work.”

Retired Roger Timms, 64, a holidaymaker from Kent: “I come to Weymouth often and I am looking into moving here but why waste money on lighting? It’s just a gimmick.

“Spend the money on the metalwork along the Esplanade or the Pavilion.”

Retired Alan Grigg, 65, a holidaymaker from Fareham said: “It sounds like a good idea. It’s new, different and modern.”

His wife Patricia, 63, agreed but added: “If they are big and imposing then I don’t think it would work. I think the artists should really consider the design of the columns.”

Charlotte Cameron-Clarke, 21, a full-time mum from Weymouth, said: “Enough money has already been spent on the Olympics.

“The current lights do what they need to do.

“They make the seafront look festive and bright and people like them.”

Her mother, Karon Cameron-Clarke, 46, who suffers from epilepsy added: “Certain lasers can set off epilepsy.

“They need to look into the health implications.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said that there would be a risk assessment that would address this issue.

However, Janis Griffiths and her husband Malcolm said they were not convinced.

Mrs Griffiths, 53, said: “We have a Victorian and Georgian seafront.

“If they are going to keep the seafront in that style then I don’t think it is going to complement it.

“I think it will look a bit out of place.”