Folkestone & Hythe District Council coastal defence project under way

Recycling and regrading of shingle between Hythe and Folkestone will take up to eight weeks to complete

Work is under way along a section of Kent coast to protect more than 3,000 homes and businesses from flooding.

The latest round of recycling and regrading of shingle between Fisherman's Beach in Hythe and Folkestone Harbour began on Monday.

The project is scheduled to take up to eight weeks to complete.

The work "helps shield the sea wall, reducing the possibility of flooding and coastal erosion," according to Folkestone & Hythe District Council.

Approximately 120,000 tonnes of shingle will be moved from east to west over the next two months.

Councillor Stephen Scoffham, from Folkestone & Hythe District Council, said: "The longshore drift will naturally spread the shingle to aid the prevention of overtopping and flooding during storm events.

"Effects of the changing climate are bringing more severe and unpredictable storms to our area, so it is important we are as prepared as possible."

Efforts will be made to keep any disruption to a minimum over the five-mile stretch of coastline, according to the council.

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