39 new flood and coastal defence projects have been announced today as part of Government plans to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal erosion in England.

Of these new projects 21 will provide additional protection to over 13,000 households at risk of flooding. The remainder mainly relate to vital repairs and safety enhancements to existing defences.

Over the next year £521m will be spent managing flood risks, with investment in the new schemes, ongoing work or completion of 108 projects already under construction, and a further 187 schemes receiving funding for development work such as feasibility studies, for possible construction in future years. (more…)

The Environment Agency, in partnership with Chichester and Arun District Councils, has developed adraft coastal defence strategy for the West Sussex coastline between Pagham Harbour and West Wittering. Between 29 May 2008 and 29 August 2008 they are inviting comments on their recommendations for managing flood and erosion risk over the next 100 years.

The draft strategy recommends that the vast majority of properties should be protected to their current standard or better, while recognising that securing funding for building and maintaining defences is a serious and pressing issue for the area.

Save Our Selsey are concerned about the funding for the policy of ‘hold the line’ in the Selsey area, and are not convinced that ‘managed realignment’ is the best policy in the Medmerry area.

The consultation period is open for 12 weeks – it’s crucial that anyone with an interest in the future of the coastline in this area makes their feelings known.

For more information please visit:

• Environment Agency website
• Save Our Selsey website