Trench dug on Exmouth beach to stop sand blowing onto road

East Devon District Council finished digging a trench and piling up sand at the shoreline on Exmouth beach on Friday (13 January) to stop sand blowing onto adjacent roads and blocking drains.

The local authority also places boards on the stairs from the beach to the pavement seasonally to prevent sand movement.

A spokesperson said: "Our Streetscene team [has] finished a week-long project to prepare for wintry storms.

"Southerly winds cause sand to build up and blow over the sea wall and across the pavements and roads.

"Streetscene are preventing future disruption to road users and stopping drains from filling up with sand.

"To stop sand from building up above the sea wall, they used the digger to dig a trench. Meanwhile, the tractor dragged the piled-up sand to the sea line.

"From the end of autumn until spring, boards are also placed on the stairs from the beach to the pavement. This is another way we keep Exmouth's seaside roads clear of sand."