Latest news with #WeymouthTownCouncil
The Independent
21-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
The UK coastal town up in arms over sea rafts removal
Protesters in Weymouth have demonstrated against the sudden removal of two floating sea rafts from Greenhill Beach, which had been present for over 80 years. Weymouth Town Council removed the rafts due to safety concerns, specifically that they created blind spots for RNLI lifeguards, and because their insurance providers could no longer offer cover. Local residents, including Jade O'Brien who initiated a petition, argue that the rafts are vital for community leisure and encouraging children's water confidence, despite the council's safety claims. Nearly 4,000 people have signed a petition demanding the rafts' return, though the council has denied that the removal was a cost-cutting measure. The council has stated its commitment to working with partners and seeking advice to find a way to safely return the rafts to the sea as soon as possible, while adhering to health and safety obligations.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Weymouth swim rafts removed to avoid 'potential tragedy'
Popular swimming rafts that have been a regular summer feature off a beach have been removed due to safety swim-up platforms, that were anchored off a stretch of Weymouth beach at Greenhill in Dorset, were removed last Town Council said the pontoons "create a blind spot" for than 2,400 people have signed a petition calling for them to be reinstated. The town council said it had been informed by the RNLI that the rafts were "outside of the lifeguard's primary response area". "They create a blind spot for the lifeguards which operate on the beach and therefore pose a risk to members of the public," it added."We understand this will be disappointing in the short term. But in order to avoid a potential tragedy from happening in this stretch of the sea at Greenhill, we have no choice but to act on the advice flagged to us by the RNLI." Following the decision, local resident, Jade O'Brien started the online petition urging the town council to said the rafts had been used safely for more than 40 years and were "integral to our community"."They encourage children to exercise, learn to swim, and develop water confidence. "By removing them, we are not only subtracting an element of enjoyment but also diminishing the vitality of Greenhill Beach," her petition RNLI said: "Lifeguards have always taken a proactive approach to managing the safety of water users in and around the rafts, despite it being outside of their immediate responsibility. "The RNLI has no position regarding the use of swimming rafts by landowners but shares information regarding lifeguard operations and limitations to support landowners in their risk assessment process." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Daily Record
Stunning seaside town overrun with 'moronic' yobs suffers major blow
One of the UK's most iconic seaside resorts has been hit with a major blow after being stripped of a prestigious title. Weymouth Bay, a stunning three-mile beach, situated in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, is a popular tourist destination, attracting around two million tourist each year. Its historic and pleasant town centre has always been a big hit with visitors, but its pièce de résistance has always been it golden sandy beach. Describing the town, the area's official tourist board Visit Dorset said: "Weymouth's sheltered bay, gradual sloping seabed and exquisite waters offer swimmers, bathers and water sports enthusiasts idyllic and safe conditions to suit every taste. "The internationally recognised beach is a frequent host to festivals, sporting championships and a wide range of events for all to enjoy." However, after the Environment Agency downgraded the Weymouth's water quality from 'excellent' to 'good' in 2024, the area lost its Blue Flag status, according to the Mirror. Earlier this year, Matt Bell, chair of Weymouth Town Council's Environment and Services Committee, described the review as 'disappointing'. The council is reportedly working with agencies to tackle its dip in water quality to 'improve the situation'. Despite being robbed of the accolade, Weymouth Beach was given a Seaside Award - which aims to recognise 'quality and diversity' and focuses more on well-managed, clean beaches as opposed to factors like water quality. "We are delighted to be awarded the prestigious Seaside Award for another year. Weymouth Beach is such a fantastic resource for our residents," Weymouth Town Council's Town Clerk Jane Biscombe said, according to the BBC. However, losing its Blue Flag gong isn't the only problem plaguing the region. As previously reported, swathes of business owners and residents claim their home is being ruined by 'moronic' anti-social behaviour, and the constant stink of drugs. "It's definitely got worse," argues Lee Waugh, 57, a military veteran who has lived in Weymouth since his teenage years. "The levels of the problems seem to be higher. For example, we need tables out the front to showcase our clothes and bring people into the shop, but opportunists steal them. It's a catch 22. It's a problem in town – groups can cause mayhem." Lee also spoke of the issue of smell, saying that the drugs in the area are now extremely obvious and off-putting due to the infamous smell once lit. "There's a lot of weed – you can smell it," he added. "People don't even hide it through town, they're walking up and down the street with it." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Janet and David Dye, 67 and 71, are from Basildon, Essex, but frequently visit their son who lives in the town. They too have noticed a decline in the town's reputation, and argue weed is the 'main problem'. "If you are drinking a bottle of beer in the street, the police should stop you and tell you to tip it out – that's supposed to be the law," David said. "But a lot of the time they won't, until someone complains that they're drunk." The Mirror contacted Dorset Police back in April this year to ask what was being done to tackle anti-social behaviour in Weymouth. It pointed to its Safer Street Partnership, an initiative backed by several organisations including Dorset Council Community Safety Team, which tries to not only identify those causing disruption on the streets, but to help rehabilitate them. "Over the last five years reported anti-social behaviour in the town centre has reduced by over 40 per cent," stated Sam Goom, Inspector for Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Policing Team. "The Safer Street Partnership is an integral part of that success. "Our collaborative effort to tackle street-based ASB has made a huge difference – our partners work extremely hard to find long-term solutions. They are a great bunch, and I am thankful for their continued commitment. There is always more to do but definite progress is being made."
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK seaside resort plagued with yobs suffers major blow over 'stunning' beach
A famous UK seaside resort grappling with anti-social behaviour and constant smells of drugs has seen its high-acclaimed beach lose out on a prestigious award this year The faultless reputation of one of the UK's most iconic seaside resorts has taken a tumble after its three-mile beach was stripped of a prestigious award. Situated in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, and surrounded by lush Dorset countryside - Weymouth attracts a staggering two million day trippers every single year. Steeped in history and boasting a charming town centre, the resort's pièce de résistance has often been its golden sand beach. "Weymouth's sheltered bay, gradual sloping seabed and exquisite waters offer swimmers, bathers and water sports enthusiasts idyllic and safe conditions to suit every taste," hailed Visit Dorset, the area's official tourist board. "The internationally recognised beach is a frequent host to festivals, sporting championships and a wide range of events for all to enjoy." Weymouth Central Beach, which has often been regarded as one of the best slices of coast in Europe, was even frequented by King George III in the late 1700s. But, after its water quality was downgraded from 'excellent' to 'good' by the Environment Agency at the end of 2024, Weymouth has waved goodbye to its Blue Flag status. Earlier this year, Matt Bell, chair of Weymouth Town Council's Environment and Services Committee, described the review as 'disappointing'. The council is reportedly working with agencies to tackle its dip in water quality to 'improve the situation'. Despite being robbed of the accolade, Weymouth Beach was given a Seaside Award - which aims to recognise 'quality and diversity' and focuses more on well-managed, clean beaches as opposed to factors like water quality. "We are delighted to be awarded the prestigious Seaside Award for another year. Weymouth Beach is such a fantastic resource for our residents," Weymouth Town Council's Town Clerk Jane Biscombe said, according to the BBC. However, losing its Blue Flag gong isn't the only problem plaguing the region. As previously reported, swathes of business owners and residents claim their home is being ruined by 'moronic' anti-social behaviour, and the constant stink of drugs. "It's definitely got worse," argues Lee Waugh, 57, a military veteran who has lived in Weymouth since his teenage years. "The levels of the problems seem to be higher. For example, we need tables out the front to showcase our clothes and bring people into the shop, but opportunists steal them. It's a catch 22. It's a problem in town – groups can cause mayhem." Lee also spoke of the issue of smell, saying that the drugs in the area are now extremely obvious and off-putting due to the infamous smell once lit. "There's a lot of weed – you can smell it," he added. "People don't even hide it through town, they're walking up and down the street with it." Janet and David Dye, 67 and 71, are from Basildon, Essex, but frequently visit their son who lives in the town. They too have noticed a decline in the town's reputation, and argue weed is the 'main problem'. "If you are drinking a bottle of beer in the street, the police should stop you and tell you to tip it out – that's supposed to be the law," David said. "But a lot of the time they won't, until someone complains that they're drunk." The Mirror contacted Dorset Police back in April this year to ask what was being done to tackle anti-social behaviour in Weymouth. It pointed to its Safer Street Partnership, an initiative backed by several organisations including Dorset Council Community Safety Team, which tries to not only identify those causing disruption on the streets, but to help rehabilitate them. "Over the last five years reported anti-social behaviour in the town centre has reduced by over 40 per cent," stated Sam Goom, Inspector for Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Policing Team. "The Safer Street Partnership is an integral part of that success. "Our collaborative effort to tackle street-based ASB has made a huge difference – our partners work extremely hard to find long-term solutions. They are a great bunch, and I am thankful for their continued commitment. There is always more to do but definite progress is being made."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Popular Dorset beach loses Blue Flag status
A popular Dorset beach has lost its Blue Flag status as nine sites across the county retain the accolade. Weymouth Central Beach missed out on the internationally recognised award given to beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats that meet specific environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. It comes after the beach's water quality was downgraded from "excellent" to "good" by the Environment Agency at the end of 2024. Avon Beach, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe, Sandbanks, and Shore Road all received Blue Flags. Sandbanks beach has been awarded Blue Flag status in every year the awards have been running, with this marking its 38th year of accreditation. Councillor Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure, and commercial operations at BCP Council, said: "We are very proud to have our beaches recognised, once again, as Blue Flag locations – highlighting our stunning natural surroundings. "Each day our dedicated teams work around the clock to ensure our beaches meet Blue Flag standards – so that residents and visitors can enjoy the best of our coastline." Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, which manages the programme in England, announced the winners for 2025. Weymouth Beach and Bournemouth Pier were given a Seaside Award. Seaside Awards, while also recognising quality and diversity, focus more broadly on a well-managed, clean, and safe beach experience for visitors. Weymouth Town Council's Town Clerk, Jane Biscombe, said: "We are delighted to be awarded the prestigious Seaside Award for another year. Weymouth Beach is such a fantastic resource for our residents." In January Matt Bell, chair of Weymouth Town Council's Environment and Services Committee, admitted he was "disappointed" to learn that the quality of the areas water had been downgraded. He added that the council would "work with agencies including the Environment Agency and Wessex Water to find ways to tackle the cause of the lower rating, and work alongside partners to improve the situation". You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Blue Flag at risk over sewage concerns - council BCP Council Weymouth Town Council
