Concrete blocks set out to prevent winter flooding

About 120 concrete blocks will line parts of Swanage seafront

Large concrete blocks are set to go in place along a stretch of seafront to help protect a seaside town from coastal flooding.

The giant Lego-style blocks are going in along Stone Quay in Swanage with the road and footpath closed for up to five days from Tuesday.

The work, by the Environment Agency (EA), will shut the road between Seymer Road and Encombe Road in both directions with diversions in place.

The temporary sea defences are put in place each autumn to reduce the risk of flooding from overtopping waves and stay in place throughout the winter until late spring when the risk of easterly storms is reduced.

In November 2023, the row of blocks were were flipped over and dragged along the lower High Street by huge waves during Storm Ciarán.

They have since been doubled up and secured on rubber matting in parts to improve resilience to wave overtopping.

The defences also had 70 painted panels added to them in 2023 to form an art trail and make them easier for visually impaired people to see.

Dorset Council in partnership with the Environment Agency, Dorset Coast Forum and Swanage Town Council is looking at options for permanent coastal flood defences to help protect the town.