Boat season tickets and day launches remain down, year on year, for West Bay and Lyme Regis harbours, according to harbour master James Radcliffe.

He told last week's Dorset Harbours Committee meeting that the dip was partially attributed to poor weather and, in particular, easterly winds.

He said that 19 mooring holders had given up their places at the end of the season in West Bay, and although most of these had been replaced from the waiting list, there remained at least 15 vacancies to be filled.

Mr Radcliffe said income from the West Bay harbour shop was also down, as was air refills for divers.

In Lyme Regis, although it was half term and seemingly good weather, the pontoons had to be closed because of easterly winds, which had also affected visitor 'boat nights'.

At the end of the last season, 17 moorings were handed back at Lyme Regis with most re-allocated, although some vacancies remain.

Mr Radcliffe said that the new Lyme Regis harbour store remained delayed, mainly because of the need to relocate the electricity supply, although it was anticipated that this would start in the first week of September, with completion by April 2024.

At Bridport, part of the Quay Wall in the west basin is still being monitored with a programme of repairs being planned, while the public toilets at The Mound remain closed, with temporary toilets on Fisherman's Green in use until repairs can be completed.

The harbour master said that West Bay Day and the powerboat racing had been well supported, with Lyme Regis now preparing to host the OK World sailing championships from June 22 to 30, with 149 entrants from 13 different countries, hosted by the Lyme Regis Sailing Club.

Entries had originally expected to be around 100, which had resulted in the harbour team having to find extra space for boat storage during the event.