Warning to keep away from beach for next month

LARGE machinery will now be at Hengistbury head for the next month as work on the long groyne begins.

BCP Council has warned residents to stay away from the construction areas where several large diggers are now situated.

The authority extended this warning to dog owners, insisting on them to keep them on a lead.

A spokesman said: “Rock deliveries for the repair and upgrade of the Long Groyne get underway from tomorrow at Hengistbury Head beach until June.

“For your safety, please keep your distance from large machinery, stay out of the construction zones and keep dogs on leads.”

The diggers, some weighing up to 110 tonnes, were given a police escort to the Bournemouth beauty spot last month.

Work to replace the existing long groyne will help manage the flood risk for 5,800 homes in Bournemouth and cost £10m from a government grant.

Part of Solent car park at Hengistbury Head has been fenced off to store equipment, diggers and offices for the workmen.

Construction is expected to be completed at the end of the year and will protect the seafront from coastal erosion for 100 years.