A £36MILLION scheme to save 3,000 homes from falling into the sea has officially been opened.

The project, which has seen 23 new beaches created along a 5km stretch from Holland Haven to Clacton Pier, was officially opened today.

Tendring Council said the scheme, which will protect Clacton’s crumbling cliffs for 100 years, has been completed ahead of budget and ahead of schedule.

Environment Agency deputy chairman Emma Howard-Boyd unveiled a commemorative rock alongside Tendring Council leader Neil Stock and Essex County Council leader David Finch.

Sir Phillip Dilley, chairman of the Environment Agency, said: “Over 3,000 homes and businesses will now be better protected along this part of the Essex coastline thanks to the investment made by government, local councils and partners.

“The Clacton flood scheme will play a key role in protecting people and property, and as one of the first of nine growth projects to be completed in the country, it will also contribute to the regeneration of the town and provide a valuable boost to the local economy."

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Before: Holland-on-Sea's beach before the sea defence project started

The project, which has been funded by Tendring Council, Essex County Council, the Environment Agency and Anglian Water, was carried out by Boskalias Westminster, part of VBA Joint Venture Limited group.

Mr Stock said: “To see the project finally finished is fantastic. When I first kicked this off by putting £3million in the budget for the scheme I’m not sure I believed it would ever happen.

“This scheme is so important. It will save thousands of homes and hundreds of businesses and will also protect all that’s great about this part of Tendring.

“Our beaches and seaside is what brings people here and why people choose to live here. Without our beaches we would lose a massive part of what we are.”

Nick Turner, cabinet memeber for coastal protection and seafronts, said the scheme has breathed new life into the beaches.

“Between us we have managed to create a piece of new England and it is a truly outstanding achievement all-round,” he added.

“To have carried this off in less than 18 months and under budget is better than we could have hoped for and is a measure of the hard work and effort of so many people."

Flooding Minister Rory Stewart also welcomed the scheme. “I am really delighted that these sections of the Clacton seafront are now re-opening,” he said.

“Our coastal communities are some of Britain's most precious assets. That’s why over the next six years, we will invest over £1billion manage coastal flooding and erosion.”

Mr Stewart also thanked Tendring Council and Essex County Council, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency for their hardwork on the scheme.

Joy Broderick, chairman of Holland Residents’ Association, said the group had campaigned for the project for more than 25 years. “Finally the dream is a reality,” she said