Representatives from the Environment Agency (EA) and East Lindsey District Council were on hand to explain how our coastline could be protected over the next 20, 50 and 100 years, and to find out what people think about the suggestions.

But they were keen to stop the scaremongering which has many people believing coastal communities will be abandoned to the sea.

Mark Robinson of the EA said: “This whole process is about trying to deal with people’s perceptions and changing them. We’re raising awareness with coastal plans of climate change and sea level rise. The message is Lincolnshire has very good coastal protection.”

Mr Robinson explained the options are no intervention, holding the line, advancing the line and moving the line inwards.

Anne Shoreland, of ELDC, said: “We’ve had a positive response. I think a lot of people remember the floods of 1953 and don’t want a repeat.

“By doing this plan we will give people more certainty because, at the moment, we don’t have that certainty.”

Martin Shillings, of the EA, said Skegness has a very good level of protection which is mainly due to the sand replenishment scheme, where sand from elsewhere is put on the beach.

He said: “Before 1953 the defences were not sufficient, but since then much more strategic thought has been given to the defences.

“We have withstood sea levels higher than in 1953 on about seven occasions since and nobody realised anything about it.”

The sea defences are given regular inspections throughout the year.

The plan is expected to be ready by September.

Story by Helen Bell in the Skegness Standard