Work to protect Kent coastline begins

A stretch of coastline from Seasalter to Graveney is under threat from flooding

Work on a £1.1m project to improve the sea defences along a stretch of Kent coastline has begun.

The Environment Agency said about 470 homes from Seasalter to Graveney will benefit from improved flood protection.

Access to sections of the beach will be restricted while shingle is delivered to the site and groynes refurbished.

The agency's Mark Douch said the homes would come under threat from flooding within five years if the work was not carried out.

He said: "With our climate changing and sea levels rising, the risks and the number of people affected is likely to increase."

The work is due to be completed in October.