WORK is set to begin on a two-year £1.9 million project to replace ageing groynes along Bournemouth and Poole's beaches.

During the works, areas of the beach will be restricted for safety reasons, says BCP Council, but access along the promenade will be maintained to allow residents and visitors to pass by safely.

Stage one of the scheme, which will see eight timber groynes replaced, is scheduled to start later this month to the eastern side of Durley Chine, close to the Bournemouth/Poole border.

From Monday, October 19, engineers will start constructing the work compound – with the project getting underway the following week.

Initially five groynes, from the council boundary to Middle Chine, will be taken down and replaced with four more evenly spaced ones – constructed using recycled wood from old deconstructed timber groynes.

This part of the scheme is due to be completed – subject to weather and any Covid-19 restrictions­ – by spring next year.

Work on the remaining groynes is planned to begin in autumn 2021.

BCP Council member Mark Anderson, cabinet member for environment, cleansing and waste, said: "This work is vital to protect our local communities against coastal erosion and safeguard properties, highways and our local infrastructure for the next 100 years."

These construction works form part of the Poole Bay beach management scheme, which is designed to protect the coastline from erosion for the next 100 years.

Cllr Anderson said: "The beach management scheme also supports our pledge towards a more sustainable environment, protecting and enhancing our outstanding natural environment for generations to come.”

In May 2020, the council received £33 million funding from the Environment Agency to progress the beach management scheme.

The groynes, which according to BCP Council need replacing every 25 years, help to retain beach material moved by the waves and, along with sand re-nourishment, protect the seawalls and cliffs from erosion.

A BCP Council spokesman said: "Each new groyne will be constructed using a mix of new tropical hardwood timber and recycled tropical hardwood planking, from previously deconstructed timber groynes.

"The contractors, Suttle Projects Ltd will also work in accordance with the planning consent and Marine Management Organisation licence."

In early 2021, the council is also planning to re-nourish the beaches with sand, from Poole to Southbourne.