The second and final phase of vital flood defence works will begin in West Bay this month.
Re-nourishment of West Beach began in October after storms battered the coast in early 2014.
Strong tides stripped and re-shaped the beach leaving the sea wall exposed to wave overtopping during storms.
The work is vital to ensure sea defences return to their original state, offering important protection to homes and businesses around the harbour.
Works on West Beach will begin on 23 February and be ongoing for between five and six weeks. This will coincide with theannual dredge of the outer harbour which will begin in mid March and last five days.
West Beach will be closed as there will be no safe areas for the public whilst work is ongoing. Vehicle and pedestrian access along the western esplanade will remain open, but parking spaces will be limited to enable the work to take place.
The work will involve heavy plant machinery placing 7,000t of shingle on the beach to increase protection of the sea wall. This will reduce the risk of wave overtopping and return the beach to its original 2005 state.
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 from in 2005. It will be covered in a red dust that will eventually washaway.
Part of the beach will be cordoned off and there will be truck movement to deliver the replenishment material. The council’s contractors Axminster Excavators Ltd aim to minimise disruption and ensure highways remain clean.
Leader of West Dorset District Council Cllr Anthony Alford said: “The beach works are very important for West Bay and it’s crucial they are carried out to maintain strong storm defences and protection against flooding.
“Works will be carried out during school term time to avoid any disruption during the Easter holidays. We would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding.”
