EFFORTS to protect a Moray coastal village from the seas will be stepped up next week.
Talks will be held on Tuesday to discuss the best way forward in dealing with shingle bank erosion at Kingston.
Erosion expert Greg Guthrie will join local residents, community councillors, elected members, council officials and representatives of SEPA and SNH in discussing the threat faced by the village.
They will view the current situation with the shingle bank and the threat posed by the sea before holding a meeting, which is not open to the general public, in the local village hall.
Local councillor Douglas Ross has welcomed the move.
"I’m pleased that the council are now accepting to look at every option to protect Kingston rather than just sitting back and monitoring the beach," he said.
"The specialist who is attending the meeting has a great deal of experience in this area and will explain what can be done at Kingston.
"However most importantly for me is the inclusion of some local residents.This was always the key for me, to listen to the people who live in fear of flooding and who know the beach and the sea better than any councillors or consultants with Moray Council.
Councillor Ross said it had taken far too long to reach this stage.
"I’m hopeful that we can find a solution which will address the very real concerns local people have been highlighting for some time," he added.
