Work to protect coastline begins

The work is expected to be completed by early January

Flood defence work has begun to protect an area of coastline in Dorset.

Sections of the promenade between Bournemouth beach and Boscombe had to be closed after recent bad weather led to waves breaching the sea wall.

Dredgers are being used to pump extra sand from Poole Bay through a pipe connected to the beach, to help stop debris being washed over the wall.

Bournemouth Council said the project follows successful work between Southbourne and Hengistbury Head.

Dave Harlow, principal engineer working on the project, said: "The sinker line will be positioned between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers and will first pump east toward Southbourne and then west to Branksome Dene Chine.

"We will have to close short lengths of the beach while this work is going on but the promenade will remain open at all times."

Some of the sand which is dredged onto the beach will be used to build Bournemouth's artificial surf reef, due to be finished by September 2007.