SWANAGE will receive a share of £6m to help protect it from coastal erosion.

The funding will ‘support coastal authorities to transition and adapt to a changing climate, while also benefiting the local economy’.

The funding is part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency’s joint £36 million Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio Holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “Looking after our natural environment and tackling the impacts of climate change are k priorities for Dorset Council, so I’m pleased we’ve been able to secure this support from the CTAP programme.

“Many of our beautiful coastal towns and villages in Dorset are vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion and it is vital that we prepare for the challenges presented by extreme weather. These funds will help us work with partners and local communities to deliver ambitious projects that increase resilience and help residents and businesses get ready for the future.”

The project helps communities to plan for the long term, including through improving and replacing damaged community infrastructure such as beach access or coastal transport links, repurposing land in coastal erosion zones for different uses such as temporary car parks, and restoring and creating habitats to include green buffer zones.

Swanage is one of three locations in the south west to benefit with Charmouth in Dorset and Bude in Cornwall also allocated funding.

Floods Minister Rebecca Pow said: “It is vital that we support the communities that are most vulnerable to the effects of coastal erosion.

“The funding announced today will help these towns to invest and grow as we continue to ramp up our flood and coastal erosion policies nationwide.”

Alan Lovell, chair of the Environment Agency, said: “Following the launch last year of the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme in North Norfolk and East Riding of Yorkshire, I am pleased we are extending the programme for coastal communities in the south west.

“The £6 million of additional funding will help support communities at risk of coastal erosion in the south west to transition and adapt to climate change.

“We will also be sharing our lessons learnt and innovative approaches with coastal groups and communities around the country.”