Sunderland port: Granite boulders shore up sea wall defences

More than 20,000 tonnes of rock is being lifted into place to form a defence against coastal erosion.

Granite boulders which arrived from Norway last summer will create a revetment, or structure in front of the sea wall at the Port of Sunderland.

The £3m work along Stonehill Wall will absorb and dissipate the energy of waves.

Sunderland City Council said it was "a cost-effective way" to ensure "long-term protection of the port".

Councillor Kevin Johnston said the port, which is owned by the authority, was a "key part of our city's infrastructure"

"Updating and investing in our city's assets and infrastructure is a key part of our bigger City Plan for a more dynamic, healthy and vibrant Sunderland so it remains a key priority," he said.

The 12-acre site is earmarked for a new plastics recycling plant which will be operated by a Norwegian company.

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