Forty thousand tonnes of granite later, vital sea defence work to help protect West Bay from flooding has been completed.

The £10 million coastal defence works, finished this week by Dorset Council and the Environment Agency, aims to better protect 148 homes and 112 businesses from flooding.

On East Beach, a large rock revetment made up of 20,000 tonnes of rock was buried along the line of the shingle ridge. This will reduce the frequency of flooding from storms.

On West Beach, a new rock groyne was built near the pier and extra beach shingle was also imported. A flood wall has also been built along the Esplanade, which will also help reduce the risk of flooding. Work on the wall was suspended during the school holiday season to minimise disruption, but ‘facing work’ was restarted last month.

During the works, 40,000 tonnes of granite was used, as well as rocks as large as 10 tonnes.

Engineers are finishing clearing the site and any leftover materials will be used on other projects.

The improvements were put to the test earlier this month when the coast was battered with heavy rain and high winds. At the time, a yellow weather warning was issued for the west Dorset coast and the River Brit burst its banks, flooding the garden of restaurant Rise - but a Dorset Council engineer reported the flood defence was ‘doing its job’ after they went to check the sea defences following the wild weather.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for environment, transport and highways, said: “I am delighted that this important project to help protect West Bay from flooding has been finished on time and on budget. I’d like to thanks residents and businesses for bearing with us through the works.”

The Esplanade has now re-opened.