A MAJOR project to upgrade and improve the coastal defences at a Christchurch beach has been completed ahead of the peak summer months.

The works at Avon Beach involved raising and widening a 240m section of promenade to improve access and provide additional seating for visitors.

Alongside this, the scheme was carried out to protect and maintain the area's character.

The beach level in front of the promenade has also been raised to the same height to maintain level access from promenade to beach.

Cllr Margaret Phipps, Christchurch Borough Council’s champion for rivers and coastal issues, said: “This scheme has enabled important coastal defences to be installed in the area.

"Now the works are completed, we look forward to local residents and visitors to the area being able to enjoy Avon Beach and its promenade over the summer.”

In 2017, funding of £89,320 was received towards the costs of the Avon Beach promenade’s improvements as part of the successful ‘Dorset Coastal Connections’ bid to the Coastal Communities Fund.

Originally the scheme was set to cost around £300,000, but this grew to £540,000 after a tendering process.

Jake Berry MP, minister for the northern powerhouse and local growth, who has responsibilities for initiatives including the Coastal Communities Fund, said: “As the first few rays of sunshine break through the winter blues, it’s time to visit Dorset where CCF has supported Christchurch in improving the historic promenade at Avon Beach for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations of local residents and visitors, and for the protection of this beautiful coastline.”

The project is the first in the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio to be fully completed, just ahead of the improvement project at Bournemouth’s Pier Approach, which is due to finish in the coming weeks.

The portfolio contains 18 connected schemes, which aim to improve physical, digital and emotional connections to the coast in Dorset, supporting and growing the local economy.