WORK to create additional beach access as part of a £27million flood scheme that will protect 1,650 properties has begun.

Despite concerns that Covid-19 could derail the East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme, work carried out by its main contractor Balfour Beatty is on track to be completed by December 2022.

The scheme is being funded through the Welsh Government, as well as part funding by Denbighshire County Council.

There will be additional access to the beach at Ty Newydd Road, Hilton Drive and Garford Road which will open when the scheme is completed.

Material including large rock will continue to be delivered to the site to enable the construction of the rock armour revetment, which will commence in October, and it is expected to take around eight months to build.

Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “This scheme will significantly reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and offers peace of mind to residents impacted by the floods in 2013.

“Work on site continues to progress well and is on time and within budget. Since September 14 and for the next two weeks there is increased activity as part of the work and we have informed residents there may be some noise disruption as a result. Operations starting early in the morning or finishing late in the evening will continue until October 2.

“Noise and vibration is being closely monitored and any resident concerns will be assessed on a case by case basis and flood wardens have dropped off leaflets to households in the area.”

As a result of the work so far on the project - which began in April - the Welsh Government is also considering similar schemes in Central Rhyl and Central Prestatyn.