A MULTI-MILLION-pound scheme to save Swanage from coastal erosion will be put to local residents next month.

Plans are being drawn up to recharge the beach with sand which is not only an important attraction for visitors but also vital to protect the seawall and properties in the north of the town.

The current sea wall is in danger of possible collapse in four years' time and a recommended scheme costing an estimated £2.2 milion has been drawn up which would be funded by the government.

A presentation by experts takes place at a public meeting open to residents on November 19 at St Edward's Church hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage (doors open 7.30pm).

Swanage town mayor Cllr Tony Miller said: "This is an extremely important scheme for Swanage.

"We want to make sure that the local people have the opportunity to know exactly what is being proposed - and are able to comment fully on the scheme.

"There are residents of Swanage with a massive amount of knowledge with regard to sea conditions and their views must be taken into account.

"We have also to take note of the assessment of the experts on what could happen in Swanage if erosion of the beach was allowed to continue unchecked.

"There's a real risk to property as well as to a local amenity that is an important part of the attractions of the town. It is a case where, for the good of the town in many ways, doing nothing cannot be an option."

Swanage beach has been eroding steadily since the mid 1980s - narrowing by about 60ft over that period.

The falling level of sands down to clay levels is risking undermining the seawall.

A preferred option being proposed is to build 10 short rock groynes between the jetty opposite Victoria Avenue and Sheps Hollow to the north.

The groynes would help give stability to the new beach which would have 100,000 cubic metres of sand pumped on to it.

It is anticipated that the beach would need to be topped up with around 90,000 tonnes of sand - 50,000 cubic metres - every 20 years.

The cost of the scheme is currently estimated at £2.2million if the sand is dredged from the Swash channel - the entrance to Poole harbour.

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