A scheme to flood part of the north Norfolk coast at high tide to protect a popular harbour has been welcomed.

The Environment Agency’s shoreline management plan would involve breaching Blakeney Freshes to make sure Blakeney’s harbour does not totally silt up.

About 30 people visited a public display in Blakeney Harbour Room on Saturday to examine the draft plan to 2105 to breach part of Blakeney Freshes so water from high tides can wash away silt from the harbour.

The intertidal area flood policy could be implemented by 2055 but only on condition that adequate flood defence provisions are in place for the village.

Blakeney Parish Council is supporting the 2055 timeline as long as the agency reinforces and raises existing flood defences.

Parish councillor Tony Faulkner said: “We favour breaching and flooding Blakeney Freshes as we would like to see the harbour washed out to remove the silt. If no action were taken, the harbour would become useless.”

The intertidal plans also include breaching Cley Marches and picturesque Morston Creek at nearby Morston to prevent channels silting up.

The exhibition was the last of three about the shoreline management plan which covers a 75km stretch from Hunstanton to Kelling and will be finalised next year.

Stephen Hayman, the agency’s coastal manager, said the need for the breaches came from the public’s strong views that silting up ruined the coast’s channels.

He stressed that the prime focus of the shoreline management plan was defending the region’s residents, adding: “Our main priority is to protect people’s homes and property. Before any breaches are carried out we will make sure all towns and villages have adequate flood defences.”

To view the draft proposals, visit www.environmentagency.gov.uk

Story by Anthony Carroll in the Eastern Daily Press