WORK to raise the promenade at Avon Beach is vital to preserve the coastline - and is not just about protecting beach huts.

That's the message from councillors calling for the project to be started as soon as possible.

Members discussed the plans at full council recently, after the matter had been referred from the resources committee over concerns about a significant under estimate on the cost.

Originally the scene was estimated to cost around £300,000, but spiralled to £540,000 after a tendering process.

Resources members also referred the under-estimate to the scrutiny committee.

At the full council meeting, resources committee chairman, Peter Hall said: "It is to ensure that this council protects our cliffs.

"The main reason the resources committee brought this to full council is that all members have to be aware of how much the cost has increased - as much as 450%.

"It has been caused by the work being required and changes being made to the method."

Cllr Colin Bungey said: "During the committee debate I opposed it and still oppose it.

"The only reason I can see for carrying this work out is to protect the beach huts. They used to be removed.

"I think it wrong that the council tax payer is being asked to fork out for this project. Only once have we had the extreme situation when the huts weren't taken away that they were destroyed. It is an extreme waste of council tax payers money."

But Cllr Claire Bath said: "I believe the councillor has misinterpreted what we are trying to achieve.

"In the Valentine's Day Storm, the promenade was completely destroyed and the risk to the coastline and area was at greater risk.

"This is not to protect beach huts but hold the line on our sea defences. To say that is totally and utterly misinterpreting why we are doing this."

And Cllr David Jones said: "If we do not do this - and I have seen some quite disturbing studies - a similar storm could seriously damage us."

And Cllr Ray Nottage added: "Given that this matter has been under review since 2008, I am reflecting on the fact that our officers haven't done such a bad job. Who can decide how much a project will be within 10 per cent? What they have to do it estimate and this is particularly difficult requiring technical information. Our officers should be congratulated."

The work was approved, and is likely to start in January.