AN urgent flood defence project is underway to protect properties and nature reserves on Weymouth's coastline.

The Preston Beach sea defence scheme is being carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) to protect 57 properties and two sensitive environmental sites at risk from flooding caused by waves overtopping the sea wall.

Heavy machinery has moved onto Preston Beach as part of the £440,000 project, which has become necessary due to a series of storms and wet winters in 2019 and 2020, the EA said.

The work will help reinstate and maintain the existing rock armour along approximately 150 metres of the beach and is being funded by central government via a DEFRA Flood Defence Grant in Aid.

When complete it will improve the resilience of the beach against future storms and reduce the flood risk for people and property.

Dorset Echo: Work in progress at Preston Beach (Finnbarr Webster)Work in progress at Preston Beach (Finnbarr Webster)

In addition, two important environmental sites - Lodmoor Site of Specific Scientific interest and RSPB nature reserve - that sit behind Preston Beach will benefit from the reinstated sea defences.

The project will also reduce the cost of maintaining the defences by repairing areas damaged by waves and limit the loss of shingle. The shingle in front of the promenade plays an important role in reducing the potential for waves overtopping the sea wall.

The work is expected to take six weeks. During this time the beach will be closed to the public between 7am – 7pm Monday to Saturday. The South West Coast Path and promenade will remain open during the works.

Giles Lord, environment agency project manager said: “During the works our contractor, Kier, will be moving materials along the beach so it is crucial for everyone’s safety that we close the beach during working hours.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused but believe the start of work on Preston Beach is great news for the area. This is critical work which will provide continued flood resilience for 57 homes in Weymouth.”

Long history 

Engineers have been attempting to hold back the tide at Preston Beach for at least 160 years, with a range of solutions being put in place.

Dorset Echo: The aftermath of floods during the 1980sThe aftermath of floods during the 1980s

Between1855-1885, a coastal road was set back from the beach by over 18 metres but was already overwhelmed by 1899.

In recent times Dorset County Council constructed a retaining wall along the beach - but after a particularly large storm in 1989 the need for greater attention to flood defences in the area was recognised.

A joint venture between the Environment Agency and former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset County Council resulted in the current defences at Preston Beach. Ownership and responsibility for maintenance remains with the EA.