Sea defence work at two locations on the Norfolk coast has been progressing quickly over the last month - with efforts at one site creating quite a stir for visitors.
Contractors Balfour Beatty started the construction of new coastal structures at Cromer and Mundesley earlier this year.
The work in Cromer has been raising eyebrows because it has involved drilling into the chalk layer beneath the beach, giving the waters above an azure blue hue, drawing comparisons with the Caribbean.
Officials say the projects are progressing on schedule and have given an update.
READ MORE: Why does the sea in Cromer suddenly look so clear and blue?
MUNDESLEY: ROCK STRUCTURE TAKES SHAPE
At Mundesley, in July, contractors started to offload rock by barge during high tide and place it on the West beach in front of the steel framed structure and the seawall in front of the lifeboat station.
The structure is designed to take the energy out of the waves, preserving the life of the seawall, protecting the shore beyond it.
Seawall encasement works have also taken place all along the seawall apron in Mundesley.
This method future-proofs the existing seawall apron, which is a section of concrete in front of the seawall that adds an additional layer of protection.
READ MORE: Cromer and Mundesley set for £25 million of sea defences
CROMER: REVETMENT WORK CONTINUES
In Cromer, a large amount of rock has already been delivered, and the contractors have started to place the rock revetment to the west of the pier.
When finished, the rock revetment will cover approximately 300 metres to the west of the pier.
Concreting works have also taken place on the East Promenade near Fisherman’s Ramp, where concreting and sheet pilling were used to create an apron.
Other concreting works are ongoing to the far west of the promenade, along with repair works to the sea wall.
READ MORE: Cromer sea defence works under way as part of £25m project
'ALL ON TRACK'
Harry Blathwayt, North Norfolk District Council's portfolio holder for coast, said: "While this monumental civil engineering work continues apace, I am very pleased that disruption is being kept to a minimum and the progress so far is on track with our ambitious timetable.
“I thank all those involved for their hard work, especially Balfour Beatty, and Coastal Partnership East."
“The two schemes have received approximately £25m of funding from the Environment Agency, with North Norfolk District Council and Mundesley Parish Council also contributing towards the Mundesley scheme.
“The schemes are delivering the Shoreline Management Plan Policy for Cromer and Mundesley over the next 50 years and will protect over 600 properties from coastal erosion. The two schemes will take approximately 12-18 months to complete.”
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