There are concerns that the Government’s Shoreline Management Plan could increase flooding in the Rye area. It has led to the forming of a new pressure group The Defend Our Coast Asssociation (DOC).

Brigitte Bass, from the Association, said: “This has been set up by local people as a direct result of their dissatisfaction from the lack of local involvement and consultation by various Government bodies during the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans for our area, from Dungeness to Cliff End at Pett Level.

“It’s simple aim to defend the Marsh , its inhabitants and environment and to achieve improved and adequate sea defences and drainage for our area.

“The published Shoreline Management Plan contained various recommendations which caused great concerns to areas all along our stretch of coast.

“Its recommendations of ‘Managed Retreat” in some areas has put the Marsh at an increased risk of flooding and blighted properties on these specific frontages.

“Following continued requests from local stakeholders the Environment Agency held various liaison meetings since September 2006 to discuss numerous future options for sea defences and during which it became extremely apparent that local concerns and wishes for adequate sea defences were not properly represented or included in future plans.

“Local Councillors from Camber, Rother District Council, and other places along the coast, along with the Drainage Board and other stake-holders, have continually voiced their concerns about future proposals put forward by various Government Departments.

“The emphasis of all these proposals seems to be need to comply with European Habits Regulations rather than to prioritise the need of local inhabitants.

“The future of the flora and fauna appeared to take preference over people

“Should you happen to be in a stretch of coast no longer to be defended you are likely to lose your home without compensation.

“We are campaigning to put pressure on the Government to protect the Marsh and Rye area coast-line, speak on behalf of local people and keep local people informed about any progress made with the various Government departments and ultimately to achieve adequate coastal defences for the Marsh, thus preserving it for future generations to come.”

A meeting has already taken place at Camber Memorial Hall to mark the start of a public consultation for the strategy on sea defences.

It was attended by councillors from Rother and East Sussex councils.
The Environment Agency will announce proposals for how flood risk can be managed along the Folkestone to Fairlight over the next 100 years.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “This is one of the largest areas at risk from flooding in Southern England.

“The Environment Agency has assessed flood risk here and will recommend the most appropriate way of managing each area.

“This will be the start of a three month consultation when anyone with an interest in the area will be able to have their say on the recommendations put forward.

Story by Andy Hemsley in the Rye and Battle Observer