Work to reduce coastal erosion at Weston Shore is set to begin
Work to reduce coastal erosion at Weston Shore is set to begin this month, with a new rock landscape being installed to help protect the most vulnerable area for years to come.
Southampton City Council are working in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places to deliver the project which will also involve re-planting the area, building additional wildlife habitats and upgrading public benches for the community to enjoy. A new fence will also be installed at the top of the path, and fresh plants along the cliff will encourage biodiversity.
As a hive of activity for wintering birds - including internationally important species such as Dark Bellied Brent Geese, Teal, Black-Tailed Godwit and Ringed Plover - the work must take place in the summer months to minimise disturbance to wildlife.
The improvements will also be welcomed by the many walkers, cyclists and families who enjoy exploring the coastline.
During the works, Victoria Road car park will be closed and temporary parking suspensions will be in place between Victoria Road and the sailing club. For safety of the public, there will be temporary closures to the footpath between Victoria Road and the recreation ground, when works are underway, with a signed diversion route in place. The MUGA at Victoria Road car park will remain open, as will access to the sailing club compound and slipway for members.
Cabinet member for Housing and the Green Environment, Councillor Lisa Mitchell, said: “We’re pleased to be starting this scheme of work that will ensure people have access to and can enjoy Weston Shore for years to come. We have a small window of time to complete the work before the colder months set in, when the fantastic nesting wintering birds arrive. We're sure the public will understand the need for this work to take place now and will enjoy seeing the improvements to the shore over the next few months.”
Work is set to begin on Monday, 15 August for approximately 12 weeks. The footpath will be closed during the time work is taking place, typically weekdays from 7am to 7pm and reopened outside of these times. There will be a diversion in place and it will re-open in the evenings.
The schedule of work is set to complete by Friday, 4 November 2022.
Further information about the project can be found at: Weston Shore Coastal Erosion Scheme (southampton.gov.uk)