PARTS of Morecambe could disappear beneath the waves if rising sea levels continue over the next 100 years, according to a new report.

Experts looking at the erosion of the North West coastline say roads and railways in the town could be affected by coastal flooding. Schools and potentially, the Queen Victoria Hospital Centre are all in the coastal flood risk zone.

Adam Barker, a researcher at Manchester University, said: “It’s a pressing issue.

“Large parts of the coastline – some of which are highly populated – are likely to recede.”

Heysham is also potentially vulnerable to coastal erosion and flooding. Promenade and beach front properties in Heysham, whilst an important attraction for tourists, are clearly at higher risk of coastal flooding and erosion.

Carnforth, Silverdale and Arnside, located as they are along the banks of Morecambe Bay, may also be prone to coastal erosion and flooding.

Half Moon Bay at Heysham, Morecambe North and South beaches and Hest Bank could be lost if erosion is allowed to continue unchecked.

Leighton Moss RSPB reserve at Silverdale is particularly vulnerable to land drainage and tide inundation, the report adds.

Researchers at Manchester University have put an interactive map online to allow families to have their say about the future of the 250-mile stretch of coastline from Cumbria to north Wales.

Adam Barker, from the university, said: “Local authorities are under pressure to release more land for development.

“Something needs to be done to manage this transition and to involve the people who live in these areas in the decision-making process.

“The Lancashire, Cumbrian and Welsh coastlines contain a number of low lying or vulnerable sections which are particularly at risk from the adverse impacts of climate change.

“If local agencies are forced to abandon sections of our coast to the sea, this can only be effectively done with the knowledge and understanding of local communities.”

Sea levels around Britain are expected to rise by between 10 and 34 inches by 2080, according to the UK Climate Change Impacts Programme.

Mr Barker and his colleague Richard Kingston are encouraging members of the public to engage with their local authorities on the best ways to manage the threat.

View the map and have your say by visiting www.ppgis.manchester.ac.uk/projects.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency, which is concerned with flooding, rivers and pollution, said: “The seafront at Morecambe is protected from coastal erosion along its entire length.

“As of 2008 the ‘Morecambe Coastal Works Comprehensive Improvement Scheme’ was in progress, affecting approximately 8.1km of coastline.

“The Improvement Scheme combines both coastal erosion protection and flood defences.

“The flood defence consists of four sections stretching from Morecambe Golf Course at the south-west up to Sandylands Promenade, between Rydal Road and Oakley Road, at the north-east.

“The flood warning areas have recently been re-mapped, using the latest technology, to take into account the flood defences.

“This helps give us a more accurate view of what could happen during coastal flooding.

“There are currently 59 properties in the Flood Warning Areas, the majority of these in the south Morecambe area.

“Members of the public can visit the Environment Agency website, enter their postcode and find out if they are in the flood risk area.”

Ged McAllister, engineering manager for Lancaster City Council, said: “The Morecambe coastal defences have been designed taking into account the current government guidance on sea level rise.

“The effect of sea level rise in the North West of England is offset by the fact the land is rising in this region.

“Work in this field is constantly under review and Lancaster City Council is constantly monitoring the current situation with regard to coastal defence issues.

“All the North West Coastal authorities extending from Great Orme in Wales to the Scottish border are currently engaged in a joint project for the revision of the Shoreline Management Plan, which is programmed for completion in 2010.

“This project will determine the future policies for the management of the North West coast.

“Further information is available on the project website www.mycoastline.org where there is an opportunity to voice your opinion on the proposals so far.”

Story by Michelle Blade in the Lakeland Echo