BCP Council investigates condition of 'critical' Hengistbury Head groyne

INVESTIGATION works are checking the state of a vital sea structure that protects miles of local coastline from erosion.

A sea-based "jack up barge" will work 24 hours a day over the next three weeks to take borehole samples from around the long groyne at Hengistbury Head in Christchurch.

The samples taken from up to 20 metres deep at five seabed locations will allow experts to assess what the ground is made up of around the groyne.

A BCP Council spokesperson said this information will be used to "tailor" the design of the groyne to suit the ground conditions.

Cllr Mark Anderson, cabinet member for environment and place, said that without the long groyne, beach material would "rapidly wash away" and the cliffs could start to erode again.

He said this would eventually lead to the sea breaching Christchurch harbour at Double Dykes and Mudeford Sandbank, warning the impact of that could "extend to the Purbecks and the New Forest”.

He explained: “The 83-year-old structure has been critical in stabilising and controlling coastal erosion in both Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay.

"Along with the beach and other shoreline structures, the long groyne helps protect local communities and infrastructure.

"It is vital we upgrade it so it can continue to perform effectively, particularly with the additional threat of sea level rise and an increasing number of storm events."

Land-based surveys of borehole samples near the groyne have already been completed and will form part of the overall assessment.

The area will be closed to the public for safety while the works continue.