This is why work has been taking place on the beach at Hastings Old Town

A Hastings Borough Council spokesperson said: “Many coastal areas experience erosion, with beaches receding over time, resulting in an increased flood risk. Over time, shingle moves from west to east along our coast locally through a process called longshore drift. “In Hastings, some areas of beach gain shingle rather than losing it and this gives us an opportunity to recycle the shingle to where it is needed in the sediment cell locally, without increasing the flood risk by impacting the design of our sea defences. “While the works in Hastings were a trial, it is hoped that they will provide proof of concept for future recycling schemes. “Typically the recharging of beaches is done via ship, with shingle dredged from the seabed offshore and transported onto the coast; this scheme was done in a more environmentally friendly way, with shingle being extracted from a stockpile on the shoreline that replenishes naturally, no dredging took place meaning the seabed has been left untouched.

"In addition to this, by transporting the shingle by road haulage rather than ship there was around 10% of the normal carbon impact. “Reducing the volume of shingle by the harbour arm is also expected to improve the launch capabilities of the RNLI, our beach launched fishing fleet, and others. “This was a trial scheme by Environment Agency, who worked in partnership with Hastings Borough Council. The works were undertaken by Canterbury City Council and Chunnel Group. “The council will also continue to undertake its normal beach management works throughout the year. This includes the reprofiling of the beach where needed, repairs to groynes and sea defence structures, plus additional responsive works following severe weather events.”