The first delivery of rock armour is expected around 23 August with a 20,000 tonne barge anchoring offshore before transfer to a smaller barge to lift rock onto the beach itself.

Volker will build 18 rock groynes, a rock revetment and walkway along the seafront from Cobbold’s Point to Jacob’s Ladder.

The contractor will also top up of the beach levels with sand and shingle between Harvest House and Cobbold’s Point.

“These vital coastal defence works will provide protection for nearly 1,500 homes and local businesses.

The funding for the scheme has come from Defra, via the Environment Agency, and the detailed design of the scheme was undertaken after considerable public consultation by consultants Mott MacDonald.

Phase 1 of the scheme comprises the most urgent work.

This involves construction of nine groynes and beach nourishment in the northern section, and a temporary improvement of the revetment around the southern section of Cobbold’s Point to provide additional protection during the 2011/2012 winter.

Phase 2 will follow next year and comprises the construction of the remaining nine groynes and the rock revetment and access way around Cobbold’s Point.