£16m coastal scheme firm chosen

The town has long-standing problems with landslides

An engineering firm has been selected to carry out £16m worth of vital land stabilisation work in a coastal town.

The work is needed in Lyme Regis, Dorset, which is in one of the most active landslip zones in Europe.

Mowlem Civil Engineering has been provisionally selected to carry out the work, which is scheduled to begin after Easter and to last two years.

Preparation work is already under way, with Langmoor Gardens closed while trees are removed.

'Unstable' coast

West Dorset District Council's choice of the firm has now to be approved by its executive committee and by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) which is funding the scheme.

Robert Gould, the leader of council, said: "Lyme Regis is located on one of the most unstable parts of the coast in Britain and this work is essential to help safeguard homes and business in the town.

"The scheme will involve disruption while work takes place but the long-term benefits are massive."

Keith Cole, the district council's engineering manager, said: "We've listened to local people and kept them informed all through planning, design and development of the scheme and we're committed to keeping everyone updated when work starts."