Major coastal defence scheme completed

A council has completed major coastal defence works that it says will protect a seafront from erosion for the next 20 years.

BCP Council reinforced a 656ft (200m) stretch of seawall in Hamworthy Park in Poole, Dorset, as part of a scheme costing £550,000.

The work also involved building new steps to the shoreline, repairs to the two jetties and the construction of buttresses to support the wall.

Minister for local growth and building safety Alex Norris said it was "brilliant" that the work had been completed.

Of the total amount, £318,000 came from central government's Levelling Up Fund and £233,000 came from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The council's cabinet member for climate response, Andy Hadley, said: "Hamworthy Park is a thriving community greenspace with a wonderful harbourside setting, and these repairs were essential to protect the prom from coastal erosion - securing residents' and visitors' access to this open space."

He said the council's Levelling Up Fund Scheme - financed by nearly £20m of government funding - would "bring rejuvenation across the entire BCP coastline".

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the benefit to both our residents and visitors as further projects are completed," he said.

BCP Council said further seafront projects, including repair works to Bournemouth Pier and an upgraded lifeguard's facility at Joseph Steps Zig-Zag Westcliff, would be delivered as part of the seafront strategy over the next three years.

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