Swanage beach is part of the World Heritage Jurassic coastline

Experts have estimated that since the mid-1980s Swanage Beach, Dorset, has narrowed by 20m (65ft).

Purbeck councillors want to build 19 timber groynes along the sand and to replenish the beach with 160,000 metric tons of sand.

A meeting to hear residents' views is due to be held on Friday evening.

The council hopes the groynes will stabilise the erosion and lead to a bigger beach.

'Vital scheme'

As well as holding a public consultation on the proposals, councillors are also bidding for more government cash to strengthen sea walls and to protect local homes and shops from flooding.

Swanage town mayor, councillor Tony Miller, said it was important local residents backed the scheme.

He said: "This is a vitally important scheme for Swanage. It will secure the beach front for years to come."