Flood protection work to begin on Kent coastline

Work to move more than 140,000 tonnes of shingle to shield homes in Kent from coastal flooding is set to start next week.

The bi-annual operation, which aims to protect more than 3,000 properties and businesses, starts on Tuesday 22 April and should take up to eight weeks to complete.

Contractors have been tasked with recycling and regrading the shingle - deemed the most cost-effective method - on the five-mile stretch of coastline between Fisherman's Beach in Hythe and Folkestone Harbour.

A Folkestone and Hythe District Council spokesperson said: "It's all about further reducing the risks of flooding and coastal erosion and, ultimately, safeguarding our residents."

Shifting the shingle is also considered a far superior defence from the sea than the previously used timber groynes - low-lying wooden structures built perpendicularly to the shoreline.

"This important task will see approximately 142,000 tonnes moved to help bolster the sea wall," said a council spokesperson, adding that disruption to residents and visitors will be kept to a minimum.

"It's all about further reducing the risks of flooding and coastal erosion and, ultimately, safeguarding our residents."

The shingle will be moved from east to west to "allow the longshore drift to naturally spread it", thereby helping to prevent high waves breaching the sea wall's defences during heavy storms.

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