THREE beaches are back in action and open to the public as a multi-million pound beach revamp project nears completion.

The £36million scheme has seen work done on a huge 5km stretch of coastline, creating new groynes to protect the coast and upgrading the beaches.

A stretch of three beaches from Connaught Gardens East to Gunfleet Sailing Club (pictured) has now been completed and reopened to the public.

It means 17 out of 23 revamped beaches are open and will be in use for the rest of the summer.

The remaining work, being carried out by contractors VBA Joint Venture, will be completed in the coming months and is ahead of schedule.

Tendring Council seafront boss Nick Turner says having 17 beaches back in action at this stage is an unexpected bonus.

He said: “We did not quite expect to be in this position and have 17 beaches back open for use by now.

“It is a credit to our contractors, the council team and all those involved that we are where we are today.

The final beaches are likely to remain closed until the project is completed, due to access issues.