A STRIKING monument on Weymouth seafront to mark the area’s place in Olympic history has been proposed.

The water feature, made of Portland stone, would include a sailing picture of some kind as well as a logo and inscription, and act as a permanent reminder of the role the resort played in the 2012 Olympics.

It is the idea of Weymouth and Portland councillor Ray Banham who is seeking support to get the monument erected by next summer when the borough hosts Olympic sailing events.

Early feedback from a committee of councillors set up to look at seafront regeneration schemes has been positive and Coun Banham has been asked to prepare a business plan and work out the costs.

He said it should cost no more than £20,000 with funding coming from the budget established to support seafront regeneration improvements in time for the Olympics.

A comprehensive package of improvements worth £2million funded by different partners aims to enhance the seafront and remove some of the clutter. Its centrepiece is the Veils of Light lasers which will replace the traditional lights.

Coun Banham is a member of the seafront regeneration groups and has spied an opportunity for a monument.

He said: “There is no way in which we can’t have some form of a permanent memorial in which to show visitors now and in future years that our borough was an Olympic venue.

“The committee has made a small saving on some of the works that have been completed so far so we can produce this structure at no further cost to ratepayers. It can be included within the allocated budget and that in itself is very important.”

Coun Banham, who has a background in decorating and design, has suggested the area around the King’s Statue for the monument and has had a computer-generated image produced to show how it would look. But he feels it could also be positioned somewhere on the promenade. It would be lit up, have all its pipework enclosed and the water feature would be controlled to maintain the correct water level at all times.

Coun Banham said all Weymouth’s monuments were historical but this one would reflect a modern event and hopefully be welcomed by everyone.

He added: “I look forward very much to seeing it completed and in place.

“Its location has yet to be decided but before we can say it is possible I have to produce costings and a business case.

“I feel very confident. We have not had a new monument for some years and the Olympics plus the seafront regeneration gives us an ideal opportunity.”