A new-look Deal seafront takes shape this summer with the start of sea defence work costing £7million.

The project will change the face of the prom, especially south of the pier with a wave wall measuring 0.85m - nearly 3ft tall - from the pier towards the fishing boats near Deal Castle.

On Friday plans were delivered to the district council and should be on its website soon.

Project manager Alastair Pitcher from the Environment Agency said: "Consultations have been held in the community for two years and the overall scheme will give better protection to the town, as well as more than 1,400 properties in Deal.

"People walking along the prom will still see the sea beside the new wave walls and there will be maximum free-flow space for cyclists.

"At some of our drop-in sessions some people objected initially to the wave wall, but we showed our drawings and explained to them and were told they liked what we are trying to do.

"Some businesses have said they would rather see the wall and be protected and most people described the project as brilliant. This work will enhance the town."

When completed, the new-look seafront will be resurfaced from Deal Castle to the car park next to the Royal Hotel.

Work is expected to start in September and be finished in the spring, with the project split into three.

* For full details of the three phases of work see the East Kent Mercury, April 19.