7 Jun 2011

New work to protect Gallipoli begins

4:56 am on 7 June 2011

The Turkish government has started new work to protect the beach and battlefields of Gallipoli where New Zealand and Australian troops came ashore on 25 April 1915.

Sea and rainwater erosion at Anzac Cove has forced local authorities to keep moving the access road that runs alongside the historic beach further inland and closer to nearby battlefields, AAP reports.

There was controversy in 2005 and 2008 when roadworks were said to have uncovered bone fragments and war relics in the area.

The government has embarked on an ambitious plan to build a concrete sea wall along the back of Anzac Cove beach, landscape the hillside, resurface the road and install proper drainage systems.

The Royal New Zealand Returned & Services Association says it supports the work.