Wash and west Norfolk sea defence repairs now under way

Stormy seas in west and north Norfolk damaged sea defences

Emergency repairs are under way on sea defences breached by tidal surges and stormy seas along The Wash in Norfolk.

Environment Agency contractors are working at Shepherds Port in Snettisham and at Heacham Dam.

The defences were damaged last Thursday when the most serious tidal surge for more than 60 years washed away part of the shingle flood bank.

Huge quantities of material were lost to the sea and breaches, the largest 25ft (8m) long, were gouged out.

The repairs are vital to protect over 3,000 properties from flooding, according to the Environment Agency.

Area manager Julie Foley said: "We are concentrating on filling the holes in the flood defences and using material from the beach to reinstate the banks where possible.

"Because of the extensive damage to the flood defences, it may not be possible to restore them to the same level of protection as before in the short term.

"We are continuing to work with our partners to recover from the tidal surge and ensure that everyone affected is protected from flooding as much as possible."

The initial emergency repairs are expected to be completed by Monday 16 December.