Homeowners in the historic seaside resort of Lyme Regis, Dorset were relieved to be told the future of the town’s coastal defence scheme, which had been on the rocks, has now been secured.

Surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside, famous for its geology and fossil finds, parts of the town are slowly slipping into the sea. Unchecked, the rocky centre of Lyme Regis would eventually become an island. Some homeowners have already lost much of their land and buildings in the town have been made dangerous and unusable.

Now, the government has confirmed that it will provide 100 per cent grant funding for the proposed Lyme Regis phase 2 coastal engineering works that will underpin gardens and stabilise parts of the historic town from erosion.

The news comes after a nailbiting wait when it was unclear whether the crucial scheme would be paid for by central government and if it would even go ahead at all.

The decision follows discussions between West Dorset District Council officers and Government departments as well as lobbying by local people. The news was announced by district council Engineering Manager Keith Cole at a meeting of the Lyme Regis Coastal Forum.

District council Leader Robert Gould said: "I am absolutely delighted that the outcome of discussions between the district council officers and Government departments have resulted in approval for 100 per cent capital grant funding for the Lyme Regis scheme.”

"We understand that it is for this scheme only. But this will allow the council to proceed with a tendering process in the autumn and means that the original April 2005 start date should still be achievable.”

The scheme will help offer long term security against coastal erosion and landslipping for the residents and businesses of Lyme Regis.

Land stabilisation work will include drainage works, buttresses to support steep slopes and piling to pin unstable land to stable land below it.