Work to hold back sea enters final phase

The final phase of work to protect a stretch of coastline from erosion is under way.

Three timber groynes west of Boscombe Pier are being replaced as part of a £42m scheme to protect the coast between Sandbanks and Hengistbury Head for the next 100 years.

Groynes are low timber walls that run from the promenade into the sea, holding sand and shingle in place.

Matt Hosey, head of South West Flood & Coastal, which is managed by BCP Council, said that without coastal protection the cliffs could be eroded by about a metre a year.

Fifty groynes have already been replaced, with the work due to finish in March.