News

New Rock Groynes For Poole Beaches

A £1.9 million project is getting underway to preserve a major stretch of Poole's beaches.

New rock groynes will be created to protect the sand between Branksome Chine and Branksome Dene Chine.

The project, funding approved by the Environment Agency , will see the creation of five new groynes constructed from Portland limestone. Work on the new groynes, which will be similar to structures at Sandbanks, is expected to be complete by May 2009.

The work is essential to prevent coastal erosion and continued loss of sand from the beach.

This latest project is part of a commitment by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Environment Agency to invest in Poole's Coast Protection Plan. Previous projects saw the construction of rock groynes at Sandbanks in 1995 and 2001 and a sand replenishment programme between Shore Road and Branksome Dene Chine in 2005 and 2006.

Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: "Poole Bay is continually eroding and these new rock groynes will help the sand build up and remain on our beaches for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors. It's a credit to the professionalism of Poole's council officers who have proved that these works meet DEFRA's stringent criteria. Against many other competing schemes they have also secured funding from the Environment Agency's limited 'national pot'."

Clive Smith, Head of Leisure Services, Borough of Poole, said: "The rock groynes at Sandbanks have proved successful in retaining the sand and Poole's innovative walkway design also allows access out to sea which many people enjoy. Without the groynes, sand levels would continue to wash away until there was no dry beach left in front of the promenade and, ultimately, it would collapse from constant wave action."

Borough of Poole has appointed contractors Dean & Dyball to construct the new rock groynes. Access to the promenade will be maintained while construction takes place. However, to ensure public safety, the stretch of beach from Branksome Chine to Branksome Dene Chine will be closed while the heavy plant and machinery is on site. All cordoned off sections of the beach will be kept to a minimum.

Once the groynes are constructed the council, in partnership with the RNLI , will create more Safe Swimming Zones in between them using yellow markers. These RNLI approved zones have been successful at Sandbanks.