“ESSENTIAL” work is being carried out to replace six groynes at one of Bournemouth’s beaches.

As part of the council’s ongoing beach management scheme, the six groynes in Southbourne will be replaced during the winter.

Work is currently taking place adjacent to the Bistro on the Beach restaurant.

Parts of the beach may also be temporarily cordoned off for safety reasons. People are being urged to ensure children and animals do not enter closed off areas.

Councillor David Smith, cabinet member for planning and environment said: “The work being undertaken on the groynes is essential to protect the beach from erosion.

“Over long periods of time, effects such as global warming and the rising sea levels mean that large areas of the beach are more exposed to the sea and will be washed away if no action is taken and the sand protects the promenade which in turn protects the cliffs, so it is essential that we maintain the groynes and beach as part of our duty to preserve the coastline for future generations to enjoy.”

Typically, a groyne has a maximum life span of 25 years and Bournemouth has over 50 groynes along the coastline.

The beach management scheme takes place to prevent the beach from diminishing and protect the sea walls from exposure, which in turn provides protection of the cliff against coastal erosion.

Beach replenishment is also carried out every five years as part of the scheme.