MORE than 5,000 tons of rock armour is being used in a £1 million scheme to plug a weakness in Minehead’s coastal defences after it was discovered the sea had eroded part of a 400-yard sand and shingle ridge, leaving the town more vulnerable to flooding from winter storms.

The project, due to start within a few weeks, will extend existing rock armour to the east of the town at The Warren, near Minehead Golf Club.

In 2023, a £3.7 million Environment Agency scheme piled 14,500 tons of granite rock armour along that stretch of beach, but now studies have shown the shingle ridge next to the armour has eroded in the past three years and needs protecting with further rock defences.

Previously, stone was brought in by ship from Scotland, but for the latest work, which will take several months to complete, the rock will arrive by road, involving more than 250 lorry movements.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “A temporary opening through the rock armour will allow beach access throughout the works, which will be carried out during suitable tidal conditions and delivered in an environmentally sensitive way.

“Minehead's eastern esplanade is currently protected from coastal flooding by a natural shingle ridge.

“However, this ridge is vulnerable to erosion from winter storms and rock armour has previously been used to reinforce it.

“Parts of the town are particularly at risk during north-westerly storms and high tides.

“Since the 2023 defence works erosion to the sand face at the end of the existing rock armour section has made this next phase necessary.

“The new works will also indirectly help to reduce the impact of flash flooding in the area.

“Recent storms have tested the existing defences but they have continued to protect the town.

“Environment Agency flood mapping shows the risk of coastal flooding is expected to increase due to climate change, making continued investment essential.

"We have been monitoring the coastline closely and this extension to the rock armour will address the recent erosion we have seen at the eastern end of the existing defences.

"We know roadworks and lorry movements can be disruptive so we are working hard to keep any impact on residents and visitors to a minimum.

“We are grateful for the community's patience while we carry out this important work to protect the town."

Minehead Town Council clerk Ben Parker said: "We welcome this investment in Minehead's coastal defences.

“Protecting our town from flooding is essential for our residents, our businesses, and our future.

"The 2023 scheme gave us real confidence that these defences work and it is reassuring to see the Environment Agency acting quickly to extend that protection.

“This is good news for Minehead."

The agency aims to complete all works, including reopening the West Somerset Coast Path - part of the King Charles III England Coast Path connecting Minehead and Dunster - before the summer.

The coastal footpath around the golf course currently has a closure in place due to erosion.