Work starts on coastal protection

Work has started to protect the coastline at Overstrand.

It involves the repair of the steel sheet piles at the base of the seawall which have become damaged over time.

North Norfolk District Council is working with a contractor to make the improvements along the 300m stretch in a project costing just over £1m.

It is believed the repairs will buy time for longer-term measures to be developed for the area, which is at risk from erosion.

The first phase will be replacing and concreting the sheet piling at the western end of the sea wall.

During this phase the eastern zig-zag slope will be closed, as will the promenade, meaning that at high tide there will be no access between the western and eastern sides of the promenade.

The second phase will be at the eastern end, and during this time the beach huts will not be used as they are too close to the work.

The council has also made contact with fishermen who launch from Overstrand, to make provision for launch and recovery.

A council spokesman said: “We are hoping that the work will be completed as smoothly as possible with the minimum amount of disruption and we thank you for your continued support.”

The work is scheduled throughout September and October.

Local closures will be needed as the work goes on but it is anticipated that the whole area will be open at weekends.