New stretch of promenade finished

The £20m promenade is expected to be completed in 2012

The second phase of a multi-million pound project to protect a Lancashire town's seafront has been completed.

The £20m People's Promenade project at Cleveleys between Carr Gate and Beach Road has transformed the seafront.

The promenade has been widened and heated seats together with eco-friendly lighting have been added.

The old sea defences were demolished in November 2005 to make way for the new construction to help safeguard the resort from future flooding.

Flood barrier

A spokesperson for Wyre Borough Council said: "The robust sea defence programme will protect the people of Cleveleys from coastal flooding and climate change for the next 100 years.

"More than 8,700 residential properties and 200-plus commercial units will benefit directly from the programme."

Work is now under way on the stretch between Beach Road and Victoria Road West which will be finished by early next year and is set to include a large public piazza at the top of Victoria Road.

The final stage of sea defence work on South Promenade will be completed in 2012.

The project has been financed by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Environment Agency and Northwest Development Agency.