WORK to protect about 100 homes and 30 businesses in Seaham from coastal erosion is to resume following a winter break.

The £3.4m project at Seaham’s historic North Pier – involving Durham County Council, the Environment Agency and port operators the Victoria Group – is aimed at preventing coastal deterioration, stopping storm waves damaging the harbour and surrounding infrastructure.

After starting in July 2014, work was halted in November to avoid the worst of the winter weather and to accommodate overwintering birds from Northern Europe.

From Monday (23 February) there will be limited parking spaces at the marina, while Slope Beach and Spiles car parks will be closed as site cabins and equipment storage facilities are returned to allow work to start again.

Work will recommence on the pier from Monday, March 2 and continue throughout the year before the scheme is due to be completed by November 2015.

The two outer piers, the North Pier and South Pier, were built between 1899 and 1906 to protect the harbour. However, the North Pier is known to have been breached at least three times in the past.

According to experts, the North Pier could be at risk of repeated failure during heavy storms in future if left untreated - and without defences the Seaham coastline would eventually decline.

Although fewer parking spaces will be available, there will be some extra parking at the weekends, and as the project progresses there will also be restricted access to the beach.

It will also be business as usual for all local businesses and other activities in the marina throughout the works.

County council technical services head John Reed said: “This work is absolutely vital because the North Pier has been breached previously and could be at risk in future if left untreated.

“Not only will it help protect homes and businesses but it will also safeguard the harbour and the ongoing marina development against coastal erosion as well as helping to support local tourism and leisure, fishing, and habitats for important bird species.

“The project is progressing well and is on track to be completed by our target date. We’re aiming to keep disruption to a minimum and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of local businesses and marina users during the work.”