Work has begun on a two-year, £17.5 million coastal protection project along the Fylde coast - the project is a partnership between Fylde Council, VBA and the Environment Agency.

The work includes replacement of the current concrete defences in poor condition along the two mile stretch between Fairhaven and Church Scar at Lytham St Annes, which would have required yearly emergency repairs to prevent a major breach.

The scheme means Fylde Council will continue to reduce the risk of flooding in the area by deciding to replace it now and include an upgrade to the promenades.

VBA, the main contractor, is a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, who specialise in designing and constructing sustainable flood and coastal defences throughout the UK.

Richard Birchall, project manager at VBA, said:

“The coastal protection works are much needed improvements that will provide added resilience and support economic growth in the region. We are pleased to contribute towards the reduction in flood and erosion risk that will benefit communities and businesses by safeguarding homes, schools and the surrounding infrastructure.”

The project begins with the installation of sheet piles which will be carried out by piling specialists VolkerGround Engineering, to secure the foundations for the new concrete retaining wall, followed by the start of earthworks.

VBA will then begin the second phase of works at Fairhaven Lake towards the end of 2018 on the removal and replacement of the existing retaining wall.

The project is due to complete in 2020.