Vital flood defence work will take place in West Bay this month.
West Beach will undergo beach re-nourishment after storms battered the south coast earlier this year.
The strong tides re-shaped and stripped the beach, leaving the sea wall prone to wave overtopping.
This important work will ensure sea defences return to their original state, offering better protection to homes and businesses around the harbour.
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 re-profiling the beach with new shingle to prevent waves from going over the sea wall, and the rock groyne will be rebuilt.
The shingle, approved by Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site Team and Natural England, will be brought in from the same quarry as the beach was constructed in 2005. It will be covered in a red dust that will eventually wash away.
Part of the beach will be cordoned off and there will be truck movement to deliver the replenishment material, but the council’s contractors Hansford Construction Ltd aim to minimise disruption. The contractor will ensure highways remain clean.
Work is likely to take place between 7.30am and 5.30pm weekdays, and may involve some weekend work.
Cllr Robert Gould, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “These flood defence 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.
“The work will take place out of season to minimise disruption and we would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding.”
