SOUTH Hams Coun-cil moved swiftly this week to reassure the public that shingle moved from one end of Slapton Sands, would not be taken from below the high-tide mark.

Work to move the shingle from Strete Gate to Torcross, to improve sea defences, began on Monday, with the heavy moving work beginning next week.

But local residents expressed some doubts about the project.

In a letter to the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Gazette, Laurie Emberson said: 'It is very encouraging to hear that steps are being taken to transfer some of the build-up of shingle to vulnerable areas of the bay.

'What is not clear is where the shingle is to be taken from.

'There is an ample supply in the area of Strete Gate Cliffs that has built up over the years. However, it must be seen as of prime importance that no shingle is removed from below the Spring tide high water mark to ensure that the exercise can in no way cause long-term problems with regard to the natural tidal movement of shingle within the bay.'

In response, Chris Brook, South Hams Council's engineering manager, said: 'The beach level data has come from Plymouth Coastal Observatory surveys which are carried out on behalf of South Devon and Dorset Coastal Advisory Group. 

'We have also undertaken our own surveys, using data from the Environment Agency.

'With this information, we have established that there is approx 25,000 cubic metres more shingle at the north end of Slapton Beach than there was before the storms, and than you would expect compared to its long-term average. 

'Some of this shingle, 17,000 cubic metres, will be transported to Torcross and used to build some bastions.  

'All the shingle will be sourced from above the high tide mark.

Site of Special Scientific Interest assent has been granted for the work, and the sensitive and rare plants that exist on the upper reaches of the shingle will be protected and fenced off.' 

Flood emergency funding of £250,000 was secured to pay for 25,000 tonnes of shingle to be moved from Strete Gate to Torcross in order to provide protection for sea defences at Torcross and the A379, Slapton Line. The operation is expected to take eight weeks to complete.

The shingle will be transported in large lorries along the A379 and traffic lights will be in place in the area.

A spokesman for the Slapton Line Partnership said: 'The Strete Gate car park will be closed entirely to the public during weekdays throughout the works period to facilitate safe lorry loading from the beach.

'The works will inevitably cause some local disruption and we ask for patience and understanding from the community.'

Storms in early 2014 washed away substantial amounts of shingle from Torcross beach and alongside the road. Seasonal weather normally ensures that the shingle returns during the summer but that's not happened this year and there are now large deposits at the northern end of the Slapton Line at Pilchards Cove.

The project to move the shingle has secured funding through the Environment Agency, following an assessment of beach levels across the South West.

The beach in front of Torcross was found to be unusually low, increasing the wear and strain on the engineered structure that protects the village.