Repairs get under way to flood defences between Heacham and Hunstanton

Shingle banks which protect nearly 3,000 Norfolk holiday homes from flooding are being rebuilt.

Environment Agency contractors will use bulldozers and dump trucks to collect sand and shingle washed away from the beach between Heacham and Hunstanton.

Most of the material ends up around Snettisham Scalp, after being dislodged by winter storm tides.

Work will begin this week and is expected to take until march 15.

Ryan Ely, techincal specialist with the Environment Agency, said: 'Every year the shingle banks have to be rebuilt to repair the erosion that has taken place over the autumn and winter.

'Last year more than 7,000 cubic metres of sand and shingle, which would otherwise eventually be lost to sea, were re-instated into the sea defences. This process is known as beach recycling and is the most sustainable way to protect the coast at this location.'

The Environment Agency monitors beach levels throughout the year and assesses how much material will need to be taken from Snettisham Scalp and where it will need to be placed.

Work on the �150,000 scheme is being carried out before the start of the bird breeding season and will be completed before the first tourists arrive.

Notices will be put up along the flood banks to make people using the beach aware of the works.