A £1.5 million scheme to protect West Bay from river flooding is progressing well despite the challenging weather and the fact it's being undertaken during a pandemic.

A 380 metre sheet pile wall is being constructed alongside the River Brit as part of the scheme while the riverbank is being reprofiled.

The work, which started at the end of November, is designed to protect Parkdean Resorts' West Bay Holiday Park and the surrounding area.

The embankment does not provide adequate protection so this work is being undertaken - a partnership between the Dorset Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Team (FCERM), Parkdean Resorts UK, Dorset Highways, the Environment Agency and Jacobs Consultants.

It will improve the flood protection for at least 50 years.

Although the scheme is due to be finished by the end of this month some work may extend into the spring. However, it is said the construction work will be completed and the holiday park will be ready to welcome back its customers when government guidelines allow.

The council says the works are in line with Covid-19 risk management procedures.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Dorset’s FCERM team, Dorset Highways and its sub-contractors have worked together with our tenant Parkdean Resorts UK to see this project delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner.

"Sheet piling work along the riverbank is now finished and ahead of schedule thanks to the specialist piling sub-contractors Suttle Projects.

"In fact, the efforts of all parties to work collaboratively against a challenging timeline on a very narrow site area has been appreciated.

"This is a great example of partnership working to deliver important schemes while making cost savings and strengthening working relationships.”

Remaining activities include aesthetically painting the sheet piling to blend in with its surroundings, soft and hard landscaping and seeding of the earth embankment facing the river. If the very wet conditions persist, the low impact painting and turf laying non-construction activities may extend into the spring to achieve high quality finishes.

Subcontractors involved in the works are Suttle Projects, Mark Farwell Plant Hire and Groundworks, KTM Fabrication, Crestmoor Construction and CC Infrastructure Services.

Further information about the Parkdean Riverbank improvement works can be found on the Dorset Coast Forum website www.dorsetcoast.com/projects/west-bay-coastal-defence-improvements