A CAR park will close for the best part of 12 weeks to allow the council to work on ‘reducing coastal erosion’.

Victoria Road Car Park in Weston - near Weston Shore - will close from August 15.

There will also be temporary parking suspensions between Victoria Road and Southampton Sailing Club.

On top of this, there will be temporary closures to the footpath between Victoria Road and the recreation ground. These will usually be between 7am and 7pm, when work is taking place.

Work on Weston Shore includes a new rock landscape which is being installed to help protect the vulnerable area for years to come.

There will also be new plants, benches, and wildlife habitats, as well as a fence along the cliff.

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The improvement work has to be done now because the area is a hive of activity for wintering birds – including internationally important species such as Brent geese, teal, black-tailed godwits and ringed plover.

Cabinet member for housing and the green environment, Councillor Lisa Mitchell, said: “We’re pleased to be starting this scheme of work that will ensure people have access to and can enjoy Weston Shore for years to come.

“We have a small window of time to complete the work before the colder months set in, when the fantastic nesting wintering birds arrive.

“We’re sure the public will understand the need for this work to take place now and will enjoy seeing the improvements to the shore over the next few months.”

Work is expected to finish by Friday, November 4. Until then, a diversion route will be in place for walkers and other nearby car parks will remain open for motorists.