Work has started on a multi-million pound sea defence improvement scheme.

The major project at West Bay means the Esplanade has been closed off and it will not reopen until July 5.

The Environment Agency has teamed up with West Dorset District Council to undertake coastal defence work, known as the West Bay Coastal Improvement (WBCI) scheme, to provide coastal flood protection to the resort.

There has been confusion over the project’s timetable after the original plan for nine months’ work was scaled back to four. This came after an alternative source of rock, which can be delivered more efficiently, was sourced. The new timetable is as follows:

n March – June 2019, West Beach – building of a new, low wall at the back of the Esplanade

n April- June 109, East Beach – installation of a buried solid rock core

n April- June, 2019 - West Beach – construction of a new rock groyne

n May-June 2019, West Beach – importing extra beach shingle

Improvements to the River Brit bank along Parkdean Holiday Park have been designed and, once funding has been agreed, will take place over the winter period (November 2019 – February 2020).

The contractor's main site compound will be on the car park behind East Beach. A secondary compound will be located at West Beach and there will be restricted areas at both beaches during construction. These will be signposted.

There will be a two-week period in March/April when both beaches will be closed at the same time.

West Bay residents and business owners have expressed concerns about work taking place in the lead-up to the tourist season and are particularly worried about both beaches being closed simultaneously.

These fears have been echoed by Bridport Town Council, which has consistently put pressure on the project manager to avoid the Easter and the May half-term break.

West Bay’s beach defences protect 148 residential properties and 112 commercial properties, along with caravans at Parkdean Holiday Park.

Each winter, stormy seas damage East Beach, and waves over-topping the Esplanade at West Beach caused significant flooding of properties and utilities in 2014.

The WBCI scheme aims to prevent this from happening again by building a more robust defence.