Island sea defences 'desperately needed'

A council has been urged to find the funding to install "desperately needed" sea defences on an island.

Councillor Frank Cassidy told Westmorland and Furness Council there was an "urgent" need to upgrade the rock armour of Walney Island's defences as the sea was "almost lapping at the doors" of chalets at West Shore Park, Barrow.

He said it had been 10 years since any "meaningful defences were established" and, due to climate change, the picture had changed "dramatically".

Cabinet member for climate, biodiversity and environmental service Giles Archibald said the council was treating the issue with "high priority".

The local authority is currently working in partnership with the Our Future Coast project team to develop a strategy to manage and adapt to coastal change.

West Shore Park received an allocation of £200,000 from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for coastal monitoring and adaptation earlier this year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Archibald said the council had reached out to Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham to request a meeting and "move this forward in a way that protects residents".

He added coastal erosion on the island was a matter of "extraordinary importance" to the council, but it also required national engagement.

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