A new safety exclusion zone is in place at Dover Harbour as the Western Docks redevelopment continues.

It is there as marine civil engineering gathers momentum.

The zone will provide a bordering between the dedicated swim and leisure zone and the marine construction area to the east of the Prince of Wales Pier.

The zone will be defined by the pier to the west and the shoreline to the north.

This is an extension to the existing 50m safety zone which was in place, adjacent to the pier, during recent height reduction works for the Dover Western Docks Revival.

This is needed for the safety of all marine and leisure users during the construction and piling phases of the project.

The safety zones will be signposted at various locations along the seafront Esplanade.

Due to the waterborne noise generated by the piling activity swimming prohibition notices will also be posted advising when it is safe to swim.

Paul Brown, general operations manager for developers the Port of Dover, said: “For their own safety marine and leisure users may not enter the restricted area at any time as indicated by the line of buoys shown in yellow in the diagram.

“During construction, marine users should expect to see a significant increase in construction craft movements in and around the Western Docks.

“These include large-scale dredgers, crane barges, multi-cats/tugs and safety boats.

“Marine users are therefore advised to navigate with caution at all times and to take directions from Dover Port Control (VTS) when required.”

The safety zone will be in place throughout the construction period, the main phase of which should be completed by the end of 2018.

The DWDR, estimated to cost £250 million at first phase, is the single biggest investment by the Port of Dover.

It will transform the waterfront with new shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

It will also provide a place for a new cargo terminal and distribution centre, creating more space within Dover Eastern Docks.