Beach reopens after storm-shifted sand levelled

A stretch of beach at a seaside resort, closed while diggers levelled out sand that had been moved in storms, has reopened.

Work on Weymouth Central Beach was carried out to flatten the area between the Pavilion and the Jubilee Clock.

It started on 16 February, and after heavy machinery left, the beach reopened on Sunday at about 19:00 GMT. The donkeys were able to return to a small section of the beach on Thursday while the rest of the work continued.

Weymouth Town Council said due to challenging weather conditions in the latter part of last week the work, that had to take place at low tide when most of the beach was exposed, was extended into the weekend.

Chair of the environment and services committee, Cllr Matt Bell, said: "Over the autumn and winter months much of the sand is moved around in seasonal storms.

"During the spring tide, when more of the beach is exposed, this allows the team to get the diggers further on to the beach area to set about restoring it for the summer season."

The work has to be done at low tide so enough of the beach is exposed for the diggers to be able to move all the sand that needs to be relocated.

The dredged sand from the seabed is initially darker in colour but once spread on the beach soon returns to the usual golden colour.

The works on the beach are carried out in February most years.