WORK to replace five timber groynes with four at Alum and Middle Chine beaches remains on target to be completed by this spring.

The project is part of a wider £1.9million scheme to eventually replace all 53 timber groynes along Bournemouth's beaches.

Engineers, using heavy machinery, are currently concentrating around Alum and Middle Chine.

Work is then scheduled to stop, so the beach – Covid regulations pending – can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for the summer, before the project commences again in the autumn.

A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council spokesman confirmed: "Groyne replacement works around Alum Chine are on target for completion in spring 2021.

"All work continues to be subject to weather and tidal conditions, and any impact of Covid-19.”

Access along the promenade is being maintained throughout the project to allow residents and visitors to pass safely.

In the autumn work will move onto the replacement of four groynes at Durley Chine.

The groyne replacement project is also part of the council's umbrella Poole Bay Management Scheme 2015-2032.

Speaking at the start of the Alum Chine groyne replacement work, BCP Council member Mark Anderson, cabinet member for environment, cleansing and waste, said: "This work is vital to protect our local communities against coastal erosion and safeguard properties, highways and our local infrastructure for the next 100 years."

"The beach management scheme also supports our pledge towards a more sustainable environment, protecting and enhancing our outstanding natural environment for generations to come.”

In May 2020, the council received £33 million funding from the Environment Agency to progress the beach management scheme.

The groynes, which according to BCP Council need replacing every 25 years, help to retain beach material moved by the waves and, along with sand re-nourishment, protect the seawalls and cliffs from erosion.