Dorset Council has been explaining how dredging costs at West Bay came in at £42,000 more than budgeted for.

Harbours committee members were told that the estimated cost of £75,000 of dredging for the outer harbour had gone up to £117,000 by the time the invoice was submitted.

The increase in costs was not questioned by committee members.

The harbour is expected to finish the financial year with a £35,000 overspend.

Ken Buchanan, Dorset Council's head of environment and wellbeing, said there are a couple of reasons for the big increase – "We were informed during the year that the Environment Agency were no longer going to subsidise the dredging. The Agency supported the dredging operation previously as the dredged material was pumped up onto West Beach as part of the coastal defence scheme.

"Now that more permanent works are in place at West Bay this beach replenishment is no longer needed. Secondly, weather delays led to the dredging operation taking longer which also incurred additional expense."

At Lyme Regis dredging is due to start on April 6 while at Bridport piling work due to start this month is likely to be delayed until next season unless contractors are able to get underway in early April.

Mr Radcliffe said the work was largely for appearance so would not cause any safety issues if the work was delayed.