AN innovative scheme to save a vulnerable stretch of coastline from the ravages of the sea is now complete – and just in the nick of time if this latest photograph is anything to go by.

Work to protect the cliffs, Martello Tower and two homes in East Lane, Bawdsey, near Woodbridge, has finally finished following years of uncertainty.

Campaigners feared the coastline would be swept away and large areas of low lying farmland would be flooded if nothing was done.

But the defence scheme was low on a list of national priorities and the Government said it could not pay for any work.

As result the East Lane Trust (ELT) was formed and the group came up with a ground breaking community project to raise the vital funds. (more…)

£17 million of European funding has been given to flood and coastal defence projects across Wales, Environment Minister Jane Davidson announced today (Wed 17th March).

The 12 schemes are the first in Wales to be given funding from a £30 million of European convergence support made available in December. It will be invested in measures to protect homes and businesses.

Areas that are to benefit include Tywyn, which receive £3.1 million, Borth £2.8 million, Rhyl £2.8 million and Duffryn Conwy £2.1 million. (more…)

A bid to secure European funding to protect homes and land around a north Suffolk estuary has attracted the support of decision-makers in the flood risk zone.

East of England MEP Geoffrey van Orden has been looking into the possibility of applying for European Union money to help repair flood defences around the Blyth estuary, near Southwold, and now local councils have agreed to help him bid for the cash. (more…)