WORK began yesterday on a £2.5m scheme to build new sea defences at Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool.

Since the start of the year, engineering firm Seymours has been preparing the site, which involves a 600m stretch of sea wall and promenade near Newburn Bridge.

Hartlepool Borough Council is behind the third and final phase of the Government grant-aided initiative which began in the early 90s.

The rock-armour type design is similar to earlier schemes.

Councillor John Lauderdale, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for town management, said: "This scheme will complete the link with previous sea defence improvements carried out by Hartlepool Borough Council and Teesside Development Corporation.

"It will not only help to protect the coastline, but also encourage more people to walk and cycle between the marina and Seaton Carew."

Three years ago, a £92,000 scheme using divers and structural engineers to study the coast from north Hartlepool to the edge of Seaton Carew took place.

The scheme was part of a council investigation into coastal defences in Hartlepool because it was discovered that sea walls and breakwaters were crumbling.

The study covered the area between the old Steetley cement works, at West View, to Newburn Bridge, including the marina, Heugh breakwater and North Pier.

The study, which was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, revealed the scale of the erosion and investigated the effectiveness of sea defences.

People living near Newburn Bridge have long complained about the lack of sea defences and welcomed the news that the work had begun.

One resident said: "It is about time serious upgrading was done on the sea defences. It is not so bad in this area, but over on the Headland they were getting waves hitting their windows."

Alan Coulson, the council's engineering manager, said: "We anticipate the scheme will take around nine months to complete.

"We are looking forward to working in partnership with a local contractor. Seymour's fought off stiff national competition to win the contract, which is a big boost for the town."