Work to improve flood defences has started again after a summer break.

Work on the new sea defence wall along West Bay promenade started earlier this year and stonemasons returned yesterday (Monday) to complete the facing of the new wall, which is hoped to improve its appearance.

The promenade will be closed while this work is done.

This work was put on hold during the peak holiday season to minimise disruption and allow residents and visitors to enjoy West Bay.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for environment, highways and travel, said: “I am glad we are returning to complete this work, it will greatly improve the Esplanade. We paused the work to minimise disruption during the peak holiday season, but will now get started again.”

The £10million sea defence work, which was carried out earlier this year by Dorset Council and the Environment Agency, will help protect West Bay from flooding.

The project means 148 homes and 112 businesses are now better protected from flooding. The beaches were re-opened in time for the school holidays after round-the-clock working.

The scheme included building a new wall, rock groyne, buried rock revetment and the beach shingle was also replenished. The work had to be done in the spring to avoid winter storms.

For more information, visit dorsetcoast.com/projects/west-bay-coastal-defence-improvements