THE first phase of work to repair the sea defences at Beesands is nearing completion. The coastal protection was displaced from Beesands by the savage winter storms' high tides and huge waves. A 130m long stretch of the defences were very badly damaged and South Hams Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, commissioned a major repair project. The council's contractor had the difficult task of retrieving massive boulders – each weighing between four and six tonnes – from the sea and repositioning them to protect the village. Chris Brook, South Hams Council engineering manager said: 'Our contractor worked a night and day shift pattern all of last week to make the most of the spring tides. 'We are planning to do another week of work around the next spring tides to finish the repairs to the Environment Agency section of the defences. 'Our contractor has recycled the existing rock armour and shingle to complete this challenging project. 'I would like to thank the local residents and businesses for their patience while the work was being done.' The repair work has cost around £95,000 to date and the council hopes that the money will be refunded through the government's Emergency Flood Recovery Fund. Cllr John Baverstock, who represents the area on the district council, said: 'I'm delighted that the sea defences have been restored and know that local residents will feel more secure knowing the coastal protection is once again in place. 'I would like to thank South Hams Council and the Environment Agency for all their work on this project and their continued efforts to address the long term issues facing Beesands.' Phase two of the works, to repair the slipways which were undermined, and to import a limited amount of additional rock armour, will start in the next month. Part of the village green and a road providing access to some properties was also washed away and the council says that it is 'continuing to work with the community to find a way forward.'