Views sought on town's coastal protection plans

Shifting sands have exposed clay and cobbles on Anchorsholme beach

People in Blackpool have been encouraged to find out more and have their say about plans to improve the town's sea defences.

An £11m project in Anchorsholme would see groynes - low-lying structures which trap sand and dissipate wave energy - being used to stabilise the beach and limit erosion.

Construction work on the Environment Agency-backed project is expected to start next summer and continue until 2027.

Contractors Balfour Beatty and Blackpool Council representatives will take part in meetings at Brew Cafe on 18 and 27 November, where there will also be public information boards.

Councillor Jane Hugo says the proposed works are "vital to protect properties from coastal flooding"

Funding for the original coastal protection scheme was approved in 2013, with additional works to the headland given the go-ahead three years later.

The Environment Agency has allocated £61m to replace and upgrade coastal defences in the north of the town.

A further £57m has been secured for a beach management scheme between Cocker Square and South Pier.

The council said this would address beach levels and help prolong the life of sea defences.

In all, the projects are expected to reduce the risk of coastal flooding for more than 10,000 households.

Councillor Jane Hugo, cabinet member for climate change, said: "The proposed works are vital to protect properties... and to ensure the beach and coastline can be enjoyed for years to come."