COUNCIL bosses say nothing is being ruled out as they try to prevent homes and businesses sliding into the sea.

Stretches of coastline in Clacton and Holland on Sea are under increasing threat from erosion.

More than 2,000 homes and businesses will slide into the sea over the coming decades if nothing is done. (more…)

A CAMPAIGNING councillor who battled for more than ten years to get flood defences improved feels vindicated after work was finally approved.

The Environment Agency announced it will start strengthening the sea wall to protect people, property and agricultural land.

Three miles of tidal embankment will be targeted between Pig’s Bay, north of Shoebury, and Havengore Bridge, Great Wakering. (more…)

A £1.2m coastal erosion project to help preserve an area of crumbling Essex coastline has been completed.

The 110m (361ft) Crag Walk has been built along The Naze in Walton to help protect the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Naze Tower from the sea.

More than 16,000 tonnes of granite rock have been shipped in to build the walk, which will also include a viewing platform overlooking the cliffs.

Residents have spent 25 years campaigning for the defences. (more…)

A stretch of Suffolk and Essex coastline could be transformed into grazing and sea marches as part of a managed way to tackle rising sea levels.

Plans put forward by the Environment Bank and Environment Agency would see businesses pay to offset their green impacts, with the funding used to manage coastal areas.

For the past four years, the Environment Bank has been refining a delivery model for the UK in consultation with central government, NGO’s, developers, landowners, farmers and local authorities.

Now the Shell Foundation has agreed to provide funding and internal expertise for the next year to allow a trial scheme to go-ahead. (more…)

A major scheme to preserve The Naze in Walton is well under way with work set for completion by spring 2011.

Work on the £1.2m coastal erosion project began in November after locals campaigned for 25 years to save it.

More than 20,000 tonnes of granite rock has been shipped in which will be used for the access and viewing platforms.

“They are bang on target to get this thing up and running by the spring,” said Neil Stock, Tendring District Council leader. (more…)

FLOOD defences across the whole of the Maldon district are to be maintained in a new Shoreline Management Plan, protecting thousands of acres.

But farmers and landowners remain concerned for the future.

They feel they have not had enough of a say on the long-term threat of the encroaching sea. (more…)

A NEW shoreline plan to try and “hold the line” between the sea and the coast in Essex has been agreed.

The cabinet for Essex County Council approved the new management plan after spending the last year reviewing the options for the county’s coastline.

Tracey Chapman, cabinet member for the environment, said: “It is mostly a hold the line plan and that does mean where it is now.

“It is based on the need to protect lives and protect homes.” (more…)

Work on a £1.2m project to secure the future of The Naze in Walton has moved a step closer to commencing.

Builders J Breheny Contractors have been awarded the contract to create the ‘Crag Walk’ – a 110 metre long rock walkway along the crumbling cliffs.

Coastal erosion has threatened the Site of Special Scientific Interest and its iconic Naze Tower for decades.

Work to build the walkway and a new viewing platform is due to start in early 2011 and be completed by spring. (more…)

A farmer on one of the most remote islands in Essex has devised a way of carrying out emergency repairs to flood defences by using a helicopter.

The idea involves flying huge sacks of rock and other material and then dropping them into areas where the current sea wall has been damaged.

Peter Philpot of Potton Island, near Southend, has demonstrated his plan to representatives from over 20 agencies.

Mr Philpot warned some flood defences on the island “were not in good shape”. (more…)

RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say about the future of the coastline in Rochford.

Consultation on the Essex Shoreline Management Plan is open until June 18 and if you live in Rochford District you can register your views at a number of drop in events.

The plan has been developed by the Environment Agency and there will be the opportunity to speak with officers from the Agency at several events. (more…)