A major investment project is set to safeguard the future of a historic wall built to protect a UK seaside town. Dorset Council is expected to allocate £6.2 million to rebuilding The Cobb in Lyme Regis by using funds collected from new development schemes.
The Grade-I listed structure was built as a breakwater in the 14th century but was partially closed in March after a man died and a woman was rescued from the sea just weeks apart. Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, said: "The Cob is incredibly important to Lyme Regis, not just as a historic landmark, but as a working harbour structure that protects the town." He added that the commitment of such a large sum was a "clear signal of how seriously we take our responsibility to protect it for future generations".
The local authority also carried out emergency work to fill a "car-sized" void at the wall's base in 2025, but repairs were halted after a mass of shingle blocked access. They are expected to resume later this spring, according to the BBC.
Mr Andrews continued: "This is about making sure development across Dorset helps safeguard the places people care about most.
"The recent repair attempts to the void show just how challenging repairing The Cobb can be. This is why it's so important that all the organisations involved in protecting The Cobb are working together on the right long-term solution."
The council said a joint working group had been formed with Historic England, Natural England and the Environment Agency to move forward with repairs to the structure while preserving its "historic character and vital role in sheltering Lyme Regis harbour".
Alongside its sustained popularity with visitors and local crabbing and fishing enthusiasts, The Cobb has been featured on the big screen in the film adaptation of John Fowles' novel The French Lieutenant's Woman starring Meryl Streep.
It also made an appearance in the classic literary canon, acting as the backdrop to a character falling and suffering a concussion in Jane Austen's novel Persuasion.
Meanwhile, Lyme Regis is more widely regarded as the 'Pearl of Dorset' and heart of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, as well as the birthplace of pioneering paleontologist Mary Anning.
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