RESIDENTS are opposing a taxpayer-funded coastal defence project costing almost £1 million because they claim it will block access to the beach.

The Hill Head coastal defence project includes the construction of a new 150m-long promenade enclosed by a 1.2m-high wall, topped with a 1.5m-high stainless steel railing.

The railing was a last-minute addition to the project prompted by concerns that the people would fall off the top of the new wall.

However, Bill Hutchinson, chairman of the Hillhead Residents Association, said the scheme had gone over the top.

He said: “The coastal defence scheme is something that Hill Head really needs, and we support the development of the new sea wall. However, the railings are just an unnecessary restriction which is an eyesore and prevents easy access to the beach.

“There are about four miles of promenade without railings and uninterrupted access to the beach, all of which is at or about the current level of the promenade and case law supports the view that railings are not required.”

The scheme, which is being carried out by the Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership (ESCP), will reduce the risk of flooding and prevent damage to the beach huts.

Councillor Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council said: “This project is a necessity for the area, if we do not act and do nothing then the current defences will fall into the sea.

“We have no responsibility to undertake this project, however, we feel that it will benefit the local area.

“As for the railings, if there was any way we could have avoided putting up the railings then we would have done. However, we are acting on legal advice that says the railings must be put in place.”

The works are the second phase of a £950,000 project to boost the sea defences around Hill Head for the next 50 years and are expected to take around six months to complete, with construction due to commence in July.

Initial works on improving the defences began in the autumn when groynes were replaced and more than 200 lorry-loads of shingle were deposited on the beach.

In recent years falling beach levels at Hill Head have exposed the old sea defences to additional and increased wave action, and the poor condition of the defences has led to several closures of the promenade.

Councillor Arthur Mandry, who represents Hill Head on the borough council, said: “The scheme is awfully expensive, but it will bring important long-term benefits to the residents of Hill Head as well as making the defences more permanent to ensure they last for decades.”