Council engineers have re-prioritised works following the extreme weather brought by Storm Emma, meaning that more than half of the promenade between Avon Beach car park and Southcliffe Road will be open to the public for Easter weekend.

Walkers will be able to enjoy the new promenade from the sloped access at Southcliffe Road. The access to the beachfront café and shop is still available via both the beach from the Eastern side or from Avon Beach car park. The eastern set of steps, closest to Southcliffe Rd, will also be opened at the same time.

Dorset Coastal Connections project co-ordinator, Natalie Poulter, said, “We’re really pleased to see council engineers, and their contractors, are working hard to minimise delays and I thank them for their continued efforts to achieve this important work in what have been difficult weather conditions.”

It is hoped that the remaining 100 metres of the new promenade will be opened during the week beginning 9 April. This western stretch will include two new seats, which was a key request from the community during the engagement sessions held last summer.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a wider promenade, meaning a less cluttered space in front of the popular beach huts. The level access to the sand will be maintained too, which means the area’s character will be restored, whilst providing the additional protection needed for this section of coastline.

The Avon Beach promenade renovation project is part of Dorset Coastal Connections, a portfolio of 18 connected projects which aim to improve physical, digital and emotional connections to the coast in Dorset, supporting and growing the local economy. Dorset Coastal Connections is a partnership project supported by the Coastal Communities Fund.