VITAL work is being started in a bid to repair an erosion damaged sea wall that protects more than 200 homes.

The Environment Agency is expecting it to take around 12 weeks to complete work at Kyson Point, Woodbridge.

Improvements include restoring the clay wall back to its intended profile and adding a limited stretch of revetment.

To make sure people remain safe during this work, footpath closures and diversions will be in place from next Monday until October 4.

Kyson sea wall is one of a network of defences that protect more than 200 properties in Woodbridge and Melton from flooding.

The wall has suffered from tidal erosion and if it is not repaired is at risk of breaching.

Revetment is being added to the area of worst erosion in an attempt to prevent this situation arising in the near future and also as a means of protecting against further erosion.

Richard Houghton, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, said: “We want to make sure that sea defences offer the best standard of flood protection to people and their property.

“By carrying out repairs now, the structural integrity of the wall will be ensured for many years to come.”

The repairs must be carried out before the late autumn and winter weather impacts further on the defences.

By carrying out the work now it also means there will be no disturbance of over-wintering birds between November and March, or any breeding birds from April to July.

During the Woodbridge Regatta on July 18 the footpath will remain open.

In addition, during Maritime Woodbridge on September 11 and 12 the footpath nearest the yacht club will be opened to allow people to view the event from this point.