A TOWN has celebrated the unveiling of new sea defences which will safeguard the coast from potential 'devastation' and 'disaster' for the next 100 years.

Phase IV of the Lyme Regis coastal works will protect homes and roads to the east of the town from coastal erosion and landslips.

The works have cost £19.5m - with Defra funding £14.6m towards the scheme, along with £600,000 from West Dorset District Council and £4.27m from Dorset County Council.

Cllr Peter Shorland, chairman of West Dorset District Council, said: "The whole idea that one serious storm could create such devastation, it was almost too difficult to contemplate.

"I know the town is extremely grateful for what was done here and I know there are other towns in Dorset and Devon that know at some point, the sea is going to break through and there is nothing they can do about it.

"Thank goodness that won't be the case in Lyme Regis."

The works have ensured 480 homes are protected from the environment, while the coast will be protected for the next 100 years, including from climate change.

Lyme Regis mayor Owen Lovell thanked organisations for funding the works - along with a 'dedicated band' of locals.

"We now have stable sea defences, thanks to West Dorset District Council, Defra and Dorset County Council - and a dedicated band of Lyme Regis people, who have worked tirelessly to come up with a viable scheme" said Cllr Lovell.

"We are fortunate West Dorset District Council made an early commitment to Lyme Regis and have driven forward the schemes over the last few years in financially difficult times. It adds to the attraction of the Lyme Regis experience."

Alan Lovell, the former chairman of the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee said without the defence works, the town was at risk of 'disaster'.

"I remember the time when cut backs and government policy changes put this whole project at severe risk" he said. "Only the firm resolve of many individuals overcame this serious crisis.

"Some of the winter weather that the people who constructed the wall had to face was unbelievable.

"To contemplate the developing future here for us all if the work had not been carried out, the alternative would have been disaster."

A large part of the Phase IV work took place within the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.