WORK will start today on a £400,000 two-month scheme to protect a part of the Hampshire coastline.

The coastal protection project to safeguard properties currently experiencing erosion at Netley Abbey was given approval by councillors last week.

Managed by Eastleigh Borough Council defences will be from steel sheet piling and gabion walling, which is metal cages filled with rocks.

The council said research had shown that if left, then several properties at Netley Cliff, Malmesbury Court and Ferryman’s Quay will experience further erosion of the sand cliffs and potentially be at risk of losing land.

Funded by an Environment Agency grant with contributions from Eastleigh Borough Council and from residents who will primarily benefit, the scheme includes study work, design and construction.

Work has been on-going for the last two years to promote the need for the scheme and secure Environment Agency approval.

Members rubber stamped approval for the funding of the project at a full council meeting on Thursday.

While work is being done, the public car park at the Royal Victoria Country Park entrance will be out of action as it is being used as a site compound.