Ceredigion County Council in Wales, UK, has appointed construction and civil engineering company BAM to develop a coastal defence project on the Welsh coast.

The project’s goal is to safeguard the seaside town of Aberaeron and the surrounding coastline from rising sea levels, thereby preventing flooding and coastal erosion.

Aberaeron is impacted by a broad range of wave conditions, with storm waves reaching through the port entrance and rising over the top of the harbour's walls.

Ceredigion County Council Highways, Environmental Services and Carbon Management cabinet member and councillor Keith Henson said: “The rising sea levels and storms pose a serious threat to our seaside town of Aberaeron.

“Implementing this scheme will improve the level of protection afforded to the many businesses and homes in the town and will preserve the unique and historical character of the area for future generations.”

In August this year, the council secured funding from the Welsh Government for the project.

The total £31.59m ($38.72m) project funding includes £26.85m from the government’s Coastal Risk Management Programme and the remaining £4.74m from the council itself.

BAM Southern England and Wales regional director Ian Hubbard said: “As we start these vital works, we will work in partnership with the local community and businesses. We will focus on minimising disruption and having a positive impact on the local community, by creating jobs and opportunities for local people.”