A £60,000 project to replace a wooden breakwater, which helps prevent flooding and protects two beaches, has got under way.

Contractors, working on behalf of Southend Council, are removing and replacing the groyne between Chalkwell and Joscelyn beaches.

The structure, off Chalkwell Esplanade, Chalkwell, was found to be in a dilapidated state after years of wear and tear from sand and seawater.

Most of Southend’s seafront is protected by groynes, which stop the beach washing along the shore, which in turn creates a flood defence for the foreshore.

Richard Atkins, the council’s sea defences engineer, said: “This is a complete renewal of a groyne which is in a very dilapidated state and was letting a lot of material past it.

“Where that particular groyne is, the tide tends to move westwards towards the Cinder Path. That area doesn’t have a beach, so we need to retain the material at Chalkwell.”

Work on the project was originally supposed to start in the summer, but was deferred because it would have been unsafe with visitors around.

Residents in roads near the beach were warned the first stage of work could be noisy, as council contractor VolkerFitzpatrick yesterday began driving in the massive supports for the groyne planks.

The planks are made of recycled greenheart timber from South America.

Mr Atkins said: “We use greenheart because it’s supremely strong and is the best wood for this kind of work.”

The project should to be completed by the end of this month, with the new groyne expected to last at least 25 years.

Mr Atkins added: “It’s part of the sea defence system and it keeps the beach a nice place to go.”