WEST Bay could have new flood defences installed by 2020 as the Environment Agency gets set to push plans forward.

With flooding and storms continuing to be an issue for West Bay beaches, work has been underway to look at what additional sea defence work could be done at East Beach, West Beach and the River Brit Parkdean defence embankment.

Working together, the Dorset Coast Forum coordinated a drop-in event on behalf of the Environment Agency, Ch2M consultants and West Dorset District Council on Thursday, March 23 as part of a community consultation on the proposed coastal defence work. This event, which followed on from two previously, allowed the community to see what has now been proposed and how their comments have been used through the process, as well as to talk to the staff on hand.

Following the event, Nigel Bennetts, project manager from the Environment Agency, said: “My team and I now felt confident in what we are delivering and feel reassured by the community’s positive contributions and comments on the proposals”.

In October 2014, West Bay underwent ‘beach re-nourishment’ after storms battered the south coast that year.

The strong tides reshaped and stripped the beach, leaving the sea wall prone to wave overtopping.

West Bay resident Sylvia Stafford, said: "It has been one of the few consultations that I have participated in where I feel that the community involvement has been welcomed, where questions have been answered, and opinions taken into consideration."

Work will get underway in developing detailed designs and seeking planning approval. Construction is likely to take place between autumn 2018 until autumn 2020 with much of the work taking place outside the tourist season.

For more information on the proposals and the previous events, visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/WBCI call the Dorset Coast Forum on 01305 224833 or email dorset.coast@dorsetcc.gov.uk