New sea defences to stop sand washing away

Blackpool is to get a further £11m for its sea defences to address the problem of sand being washed away.

The Environment Agency (EA) will pay for the works at Anchorsholme.

Groynes - low lying structures which trap sand and dissipate wave energy - will be used to stabilise the beach.

Councillor Jane Hugo, cabinet member for climate change, said: "We have a comprehensive plan in place for our coastline to prevent the devastating consequences of coastal erosion."

She said that more than £100m would be spent on coastal protection schemes in the coming years.

"We will be sharing the plans for Anchorsholme with residents, businesses and visitors in a series of public events," she added.

Funding for the original coast protection scheme was approved in 2013, with additional works to the headland approved in 2016.

The EA has allocated £61m to replace and upgrade coastal defences in the north of the town.

A further £57m has been allocated to a beach management scheme between Cocker Square and South Pier.

This will address beach levels, ensuring that the life of the sea defences in that area are prolonged, the council said.

Andrew Shore, EA coastal engineer, said: "The works will stabilise and encourage the growth of healthy beach levels which are a critical first line of defence against rising sea levels caused by climate change."

The projects will reduce the risk of coastal flooding for over 10,000 households.

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