A WORLD War 2 anti-aircraft gun is set to be removed for restoration works to take place.

The historic 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun, that overlooks the beach at Hamble Point, will be stored in the nearby car park whilst the concrete emplacement that supports it is surveyed.

The original structure was said to be breaking up and there was "a very real risk of collapse" due to damage caused by years of buffeting by tides and wind, and undercutting by the sea.

As of Monday, part of the adjoining car park has been closed and fenced off to allow work on a new plinth to take place.

The car park will be fully closed when the gun is shifted.

The gun emplacement’s wartime role was to guard the approach to Southampton and protect nearby oil terminals.

The Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound Local Area Committee has been working in partnership with Historic England to ensure the gun has an appropriate setting.

Councillor Tonia Craig, who chairs the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound Local Area Committee, said: “The Bofors gun at Hamble Point is an important part of the area’s wartime heritage and a real point of interest for visitors.

"The Local Area Committee was keen that work got under way to rescue it from damage by the tides and we are grateful to Historic England for their support.”