Sea wall to be replaced after £750k boost

Gosport Borough Council described the funding as a "brilliant decision"

A stretch of collapsed sea wall will be replaced thanks to more than £750,000, a council has said.

Gosport Borough Council has committed the cash for 135m (440ft) of sea defences at Stokes Bay - restoring access to Stokes Bay East car park and the promenade as well as protecting nearby roads.

The funding was awarded after a joint bid from Gosport Borough Council and Hampshire County Council to the regional flood and coastal committee. It will be added to £450,000 from Gosport council and £50,000 from Hampshire council, already set aside for the project.

Construction is planned to start in the summer, lasting about four months.

In February 2022, Storm Eunice caused severe damage to the sea wall

Peter Chegwyn, leader of the Gosport Borough Council, said: "This is a brilliant decision for Gosport. We have been working hard with our partners to get this money and now it's been pledged.

"The current wall, built in the 70s, has experienced several serious failures in recent years and repairs are no longer an option."

Mr Chegwyn added that the new wall would be "vital for transport, recreation and tourism".