Work is continuing on the £63 million Rossall sea defence scheme in Lancashire.

Balfour Beatty has completed the first section spanning from the beach to the promenade, utilising utilised 270,000 tonnes of rock armour to create the base of the defence.

In addition, specially manufactured precast concrete has been installed to form a stepped revetment protecting more than 7,500 nearby properties.

The overall scheme is on scheduled for completion this winter, in addition to the widened promenade and 1.5km Larkholme Grasslands development finishing in spring 2018.

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Mark Farrah, Balfour Beatty Regional Managing Director, North and Midlands, said: "This milestone marks a significant step in the development of the Rossall flood and coastal defence scheme. Once complete, together with the Anchorsholme coastal project, this will be the largest flood prevention scheme in the UK and will protect 12,500 residents from the risk of flooding."

Cllr Roger Berry added: "This first complete section is a significant milestone in our project to reduce the risk of flooding on this part of the coast. Now the promenade is taking shape much more of the defences are visible from the highway and we have started landscaping the ecology park on the landward side. Once complete, residents will have greater protection from flooding and a much more attractive promenade to enjoy."

(LM/MH)