WORK to shift thousands of tonnes of sand westwards towards Boscombe is expected to finish this week.

Diggers and trucks are being used to reverse the drift of 10,000 cubic metres of sand that has moved over time towards Southbourne.

Bournemouth council decided it was cheaper to return the 10,000 cubic metres back towards Boscombe rather than bring in new material, with the work starting at Gordon’s Corner.

Cllr Rod Cooper, Bournemouth council’s cabinet member for tourism, said: “It is very important this is done and it’s unfortunate that much of the sand has been washed away. It’s vital to preserve the beach as it’s the main tourist attraction.”

Last year sand that had been moved by the wind and waves towards Bournemouth pier was moved back towards Alum Chine in a similar project.