WORK is taking place to bolster beaches in front of the viewpoint used by tens of thousands of shipspotters every year to watch the vessels visiting Britain's biggest port.

WORK is taking place to bolster beaches in front of the viewpoint used by tens of thousands of shipspotters every year to watch the vessels visiting Britain's biggest port.

Erosion has caused the shore line in front of the John Bradfield Viewing Area to drop by several feet.

The sea defences joining it - leading along the front of the Landguard Fort - have also suffered, with a flight of steps collapsing.

It is the second time in four years that major work has had to be carried out to replenish the beach.

Back in 2002 there were major fears the viewpoint, which has parking for about 60 vehicles alongside Landguard Terminal, could collapse and part of it was closed off for months.

The erosion was caused by two shingle islands, or knolls, building up off Landguard Point.

Felixstowe port corporate affairs manager Paul Davey said it was the same problem this time.

He said: “The shingle banks have been building up just off Landguard Point, made up from the material which has been lost in front of the viewing area.

“The contractors will be bringing that material back - taking it from the islands and replenishing the beach.

“We expect the work to take a few days and hopefully the beach will then be put back to the previous levels.

“There has been close monitoring of this area, and although the viewing area will be changed and rebuilt when the port expansion takes place, we felt there was a need to take action in the interim because of the erosion.”

WEBLINK: www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk

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