WORK has started on a project in Poole to stabilise seafront cliffs.

The Canford Cliffs scheme will include a one-way system at Cliff Drive, which has been put in place for residents, with access for contractor, emergency and refuse vehicles.

Cliff Drive's popular zig zag path to the beach is also now closed.

A site compound was set up earlier this week, but the main work –expected to last up to nine months – is set to start in earnest after the weekend. (September 21)

Speaking ahead of the dramatic vote of no confidence, which deposed Cllr Vikki Slade from her role as BCP Council leader this week, Cllr Slade said: "“We have invested £9.5 million into our seafront development programme to help enhance the coastline’s natural assets and ensure our seafront infrastructure is modern and vibrant.

"We know how incredibly lucky we are to have this wonderful coastline on our doorstep, and we want to ensure we protect its future by providing world-class facilities for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

“There have been extensive preparations for this new cliff stabilisation scheme including cliff stability monitoring, geological investigations, assessments of historical stabilisation schemes and ecological requirements in this Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

“I would like to thank our beach hut occupants and local residents in the Canford Cliffs area for their patience while this all takes place, as well as all who use the beach for their understanding during these important works.”

The work was deemed necessary after a significant cliff slip in 2017, followed by subsequent slips in December 2019 and January 2020.

CAN Geotechnical has been appointed to carry out this scheme, which will involve drilling soil nails, up to 15m in length, into the cliff face using long reach excavators from the cliff top and the promenade below.

They will then be covered with a structural mesh and erosion-protection matting.

Pedestrian access to Cliff Drive will also be maintained while the zig-zag path to the beach will be closed.

Residents and visitors will able to access the beach at Flaghead Chine and Canford Cliffs Chine pathways which will remain open.