Councillor Leonie Stein put forward a notice of motion at Monday night's meeting stating: "That Dorset Council support the resumption of the vegetation maintenance works on the Bridport foreshore and extend the works all the way to the beginning of the industrial precinct at the Brid River Bridge".

In outlining her reasons for the notice, Ms Stein said the "foreshore has had no maintenance conducted for several decades and has resulted in the foreshore becoming an unacceptable fire risk and an eyesore on our beautiful coastal outlook".

She also said a community member had started a petition for works to continue and it had more than 700 signatures.

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A department spokesperson said the foreshore area has been held under license by Dorset Council for many decades, with the most recent agreement being issued in 2014.

"This requires that the council maintain the area in a neat and tidy condition and free from weeds," the spokesperson said.

"Dorset Council have permission to recommence works this week and have agreed to conditions to ensure any potential impacts to natural and cultural values are mitigated."

Council staff recommended Bridport foreshore maintenance work resumes and be extended to the beginning of the industrial precinct at Brid River Bridge.