THE coastline in Bude is set for some safety improvements as Cornwall Council takes on repairs on Summerleaze Beach.

Future Coast Bude, a local project aiming to promote adaptation actions to help communities transition away from eroding coastlines, has announced that works are set to be carried out to improve the effectiveness and safety of a number of erosion control measures.

At Summerleaze beach, wire baskets containing rocks are used to line the banks of the River Neet. Known as gabions, these structures help to guide the river’s flow.

The baskets run from the back of Summerleaze car park, to the Iron Bridge, along the right hand bank. There are a number of baskets stacked on top of one another.

However, the organisation has announced that following a recent inspection by Cornwall Council, three weeks worth of works are now set to take place after some have been found to be seriously damaged.

A spokesperson from Future Coast Bude said: “During a recent inspection, undertaken by Cornwall Council, a number of failed baskets have been identified. This has led to metal wire sticking out which causes a health and safety risk.

“Some of the baskets are beyond repair. These are mostly located at the bend in the river. The plan is to remove the top layer of baskets here.

“The gabions which are not being removed will be inspected and any metal sticking out will be removed and recycled. Wire mesh will be placed over the damaged gabions to stop any more metal coming out of the baskets and causing a health and safety risk.

“A rope barrier will be installed along the top of the gabions to highlight the damaged areas, while Cornwall Council evaluate the effect of the whole gabion wall on the dune system.”

Work is expected to take place during the week of February 23.