Southsea Seafront coastal protection update

Plans to provide new flood defenses for the Southsea Seafront continue to progress.

This week saw demolition works finally getting underway on the beach, starting with the removal of three dilapidated groynes from the eastern side.

“This was easier than expected as they were found to be fairly shallow at only 3m long. We then cleared the pile line by creating a 2m deep excavation and removing potential obstructions,” the update reads.

This trench is being used to complete the Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) survey. A ramp of large grade aggregate has been used to give temporary access.

Wessex Archaeology is observing all excavations.

Also, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) field compound is being prepared to take demolition material from the revetment, with the field fenced off and topsoil to be stripped next week.

The Pier Road compound has been stripped and this excess material will be moved to the MoD field.

Works to begin breaking out the revetment are also scheduled to start next week.

The Sospan Dau dredger will not arrive next week due to heavy weather delaying it until 3 November.