IMPROVEMENTS to West Bay harbour and sea defences are beginning to take shape as major engineering works forge ahead.

The outline of the new slipway can be seen now that the steel supports are in place and the first concrete slab has been laid.

Eleven out of the fourteen main sections of the new pier have been constructed with work starting on the parapet walls by the promenade.

Tubular steel piles are being installed to the west of the new pier, to enable a sea angling jetty to be built.

Work is underway on strengthening the root of the old West Pier by the Mound which will stay when the rest of it is demolished in the autumn.

West Dorset District Council's engineering manager Keith Cole said: "In the good summer weather, rapid progress is being made.

"The schedule had to be changed earlier in the year to carry out additional work and to make allowance for winter storms, so it is very pleasing to see it all starting to come together. As with last summer, the scheme has been organised so residents and visitors can enjoy West Bay with as little disruption as possible."

East Pier, East Beach and West Beach will stay open throughout the summer season and there is a new ramp for easier access to West Beach.

East Pier will close in October for major repair and strengthening work to take place through the winter

West Bay's historic piers and sea defences have suffered major and sustained damage over the past 50 years, leaving the piers and sections of the sea wall in urgent need of repair to prevent flooding and protect properties from the sea.

The £15 million coastal defence scheme being promoted by the district council in partnership with the Environment Agency will see the West Pier demolished and rebuilt on a new alignment, rock armour installed to protect the sea wall and replenishment of the beach. The East Pier will also be strengthened and extended.