Work is under way on a £1m scheme designed to protect a crucial section of Minehead's seafront from further flooding.
Minehead town centre has been prone to coastal flooding for many years, with both residential and commercial properties being damaged or disrupted and Butlins having to temporarily close as a result of torrential rain in September 2023.
In the autumn of 2023, the Environment Agency (EA) reinforced two key sections of the coastline near Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club, with 14,500 tonnes of granite rock armour being installed to stabilise 360 metres of "a vulnerable shingle ridge"
Work is now under way to protect a further 100 metres of the same ridge at The Warren, near the Butlins holiday camp.
An additional 5,000 tonnes of rock armour are being delivered to the site through 250 lorry movements, extending the existing protection to the east and providing greater security for 355 local properties and businesses.
Contractors will access the beach through a temporary opening through the rock groyne, with the work being carried out "during suitable tidal conditions and delivered in an environmentally sensitive way".
EA representative Bert Leach said: "This project builds on the successful work we completed in 2023 and will provide vital protection for Minehead against coastal flooding.
"We've been monitoring the coastline closely, and this extension to the rock armour will address the recent erosion we've seen at the eastern end of the existing defences.
"We know roadworks and lorry movements can be disruptive, so we're working hard to keep any impact on residents and visitors to a minimum.
"We're grateful for the community's patience while we carry out this important work to protect the town."
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The EA aims to complete the project before the summer, minimising disruption for holiday-makers at the height of the tourist season,
The project will also enable the reopening of the West Somerset Coast Path between Minehead and Dunster, which links up with the Steam Coast Trail towards Blue Anchor.
Minehead Town Council clerk Ben Parker said: "We welcome this investment in Minehead's coastal defences.
"Protecting our town from flooding is essential for our residents, our businesses, and our future.
"The 2023 scheme gave us real confidence that these defences work, and it's reassuring to see the EA acting quickly to extend that protection. This is good news for Minehead."
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