West Bay Beach Renourishment About to Commence

Vital flood defense work will take place in West Bay this month.

West Beach will undergo beach renourishment after storms battered the south coast earlier this year.

The strong tides reshaped and stripped the beach, leaving the sea wall prone to wave overtopping.

Cllr Robert Gould, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “These flood defense works are very important for West Bay and must be done to ensure the area has the best possible resistance against any future severe weather.”

This important work will ensure sea defenses return to their original state, offering better protection to homes and businesses around the harbor.

There will be two stages to the work. The first phase will start on 13 October 2014 and will last around two weeks. It is expected the second phase will start early 2015.

Vehicle and pedestrian access along the western Esplanade will remain open, but parking spaces along the Esplanade will be closed off to enable the work during the two weeks.

The first phase will involve reprofiling the beach with new shingle to prevent waves from going over the sea wall, and the rock groyne will be rebuilt.

Work is likely to take place between 7.30am and 5.30pm weekdays, and may involve some weekend work.