Cost of stabilising Lyme Regis Cobb rises by £1.5 million

Dorset Council say the previous £3 million price has gone up due to inflation

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 21st Sep 2023

A project to stabilise the Cobb at Lyme Regis is likely to go up by £1.5 million.

Dorset Council say they're 'exploring additional funding options' for the scheme, blaming rising inflation.

The work was originally expected to cost £3 million.

It's all part of the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement Scheme, which aims to repair and reinforce the historic harbour.

The Cobb also acts as a breakwater, protecting the bay from flooding and coastal erosion.

Wave impacts and sea floor erosion around the outer harbour wall means the structure's deteriorated.

Dorset Council say they 'remain committed to delivering the project' - but they can't be sure if the increased costs will mean a delay or a reduce scope of the scheme.

The original work was being funded through £2.5 million from the Environment Agency and £500,000 from Dorset Council.

The Cobb itself is being routinely monitored by the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management and Harbours teams for signs of storm damage.

There's currently no additional risk to the public or businesses operating there.

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