Work to fill new seafront groyne field continues

A scheme to protect a key part of Brighton and Hove's coastline from erosion and flooding has entered a new phase.

The works to fill a new groyne field in Hove, East Sussex, with thousands of tonnes of shingle begun on Monday, Brighton & Hove City Council said.

It will extend the beach between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue by about 82ft (25m) out to sea.

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said: "The completed groyne field is going to ensure the homes and businesses here are better protected from climate change, rising sea levels and storms."

Work to construct nine new timber groynes has been taking place since the start of the year, which will become largely buried beneath the replenished beach, with only the upper sections remaining visible.

The shingles, taken from a licensed dredging site in the English Channel, will be pumped between the groynes using a large dredger about 2,296ft (700m) offshore, with support vessels and safety boats protecting the area and assisting the operation.

As a result, the now larger beach will reduce the amount of shingle washing up onto the promenade during storms and windy conditions, ultimately helping to protect the area from flooding and coastal erosion, the council said.

Project manager Van Oord added: "The new groyne field and shingle recharge will not only help reduce flood and erosion risks but also enhance the beach for residents and visitors to enjoy."

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