WEYMOUTH and Portland planners welcomed the new light show, saying it would benefit the town and attract visitors.

Coun Margaret Leicester said: “I think this is a good scheme. It will look better than has been portrayed in the plans we’ve seen.

“It will enhance the Esplanade.”

Coun Christine James said: “It’s innovative. It’s time we stopped being so staid in this town.

“The lights will look fantastic.”

Coun Ray Banham said: “A lot of work has gone into the design and planning.

“Some people are opposed to it but I’m confident their views will change.

“It’s a stunning scheme.”

Coun Mark Tewkesbury said he’d seen something similar in Bristol, which had proved popular and he was confident it will be a ‘great asset’ to Weymouth.

The only councillor with reservations was the Mayor Graham Winter who said he didn’t like the design of the lighting columns.

He said: “They’re just sticks. They don’t inspire me – I was hoping for something more radical.”