Posted on November 14, 2016
WORK to install new groynes along Bournemouth’s beaches will take place this winter.
As part of the council’s ongoing beach management scheme to protect the coastline, eight groynes will be replaced along the stretch of beach from east of Fisherman’s Walk towards Southbourne.
The work is due to be completed by late spring 2017.
The seafront promenade will remain open to the public during the works, however, residents and visitors using this section are being asked to take extra care while they take place.
Anthony Kirby, engineering and major contracts manager for Bournemouth council, said: “Access along this particular stretch of promenade is narrow and with these works taking place the promenade will be particularly busy at times with slow moving contractor vehicles.
“Whilst we will maintain public access along the promenade, I would urge people to take extra care, and if contractor’s vehicles are approaching, please make use of the promenade refuges clearly signposted and intermittently sited between the works and Portman Ravine zig-zag.”
Part of the beach had to be fenced off between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers in March due to quicksand, which temporarily formed while the new groynes were constructed.
This new phase of work is part of a 17 year-long programme to protect against coastal erosion and maintain Bournemouth’s beaches. The programme includes the replacement of all 53 groynes, an additional three installed, and three beach replenishments.
The entire project is expected to cost in the region of £50m, with the majority of funding provided by the Environment Agency and a smaller contribution from Bournemouth Borough Council.
Work started on the scheme in October last year with a beach replenishment replacing 320,000 cubic metres of sand between Bournemouth Pier and Southbourne.
Councillor David Smith, cabinet member for planning and environment, said: “These vital works are taking place not only to protect the coastline from future coastal erosion but also to maintain the award winning beaches which attract millions of visitors and residents to the coast each year. The works also complement the council’s Seafront Strategy – a long-term plan to develop a world class seafront.”
Source: Bournemouth
