REPAIR work has been ordered on Weymouth beach after it was decimated by storms.

An area of golden sand was washed away, leaving a ledge and a seaweed-covered hard, muddy area.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council says this sort of situation is ‘normal’ for the time of year.

But calls have been made for repair work to be undertaken quickly as the season gets underway.

These aerial images reveal the effect of last month’s storm when seawater pushed far up the beach and washed away an area of sand leaving the ledge.

The RNLI lookout station had to be stabilised with sand after water went underneath it and left the front part of the unit exposed.

The aerial photographs were taken from a camera fixed to a kite by enthusiast Paul Burton during the International Beach Kite Festival last weekend.

Alan Pothecary, who organised the kite flyers, described Weymouth as a ‘stunning beach’ but said he was aware of the ‘ledge’ this year.

He said: “We’re watching the sky not the ground when we’re flying so you’re relying on the ground beneath you to be stable.

“I was aware of the step down. It didn’t cause a problem though because we positioned ourselves either side of it depending on the wind conditions.”

Seafront cafe owner Alison Cocks said: “The beach does look pretty awful and a few people have made comments.

“People appreciate there has been a storm but I thought the council would have sorted it out before the last bank holiday weekend. Maybe it’s not as easy as that.”

Sandman Mark Anderson, who relies on Weymouth sand for his famous sculptures, said: “The beach was replenished as usual by the council earlier this year and it was unfortunate that the weather came along and undid all that work.

“There’s nothing you can do about it except pick up the pieces.”

He added: “The real problem facing the beach is the migration of material. Once upon a time there were no stones past the Pier Bandstand and now they’re past the Clock Tower. It’s getting more of a problem each year.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for Leisure, Tourism and Community Facilities Andy Blackwood said: “Council officers have assessed the impact on the beach and work to remove the seaweed and re-profile the beach will take place shortly subject to tidal conditions.

“This is a pretty normal occurrence for this time of year and nothing out of the ordinary following spring tides and stormy conditions. We would not expect any operation to require anything other than existing budgeted funds.”