WORK to repair storm-damaged Dawlish seafront is almost complete.

In January Storm Ingrid hit the town and ripped up the granite block paving and the seating area under the Viaduct.

The strong easterly winds battered the town and the force of the waves caused damage to part of the sea wall as well.

Network Rail and contractors Balfour Beatty have been working on repairs.

Damage to the sea wall damage has now been repaired and it has reopened.

Now, work is nearing completion on relaying the granite block paving.

While the seating had been popular, Network Rail has decided not to replace the stone block seats.

They had been made from parts of the old sea wall which was replaced as part of the multi-million pound scheme to make the wall more resilient and protect the railway line following the devastating storm on 2014.

County councillor Rosie Dawson agreed with the decision not to replace the seating.

She said: ‘I think this is the right decision.

‘It was formed from part of the old sea wall and it was this being hit by part of Teignmouth Pier and breaking up that caused the granite blocks to be undermined.’

Contractors have spent several months repairing damage caused by the winter storms.

The area under the Viaduct had been cordoned off while cement was applied and given enough time to set.

The area should be reopen in time for residents and visitors to enjoy this summer.

Repair work to the damaged sea wall was completed ahead of schedule at the end of last month.

The repairs took several months and contractors were faced with working in poor weather conditions along with high tides.