GEOFFREY Cox, MP for Torridge & West Devon, attended a meeting with the Northam Burrows 1716 Committee and local Councillor Andrew Eastman, to discuss the erosion of the sea defences at Westward Ho! and Northam Burrows.

The 1716 Committee, which is predominately made up of graziers and commoners, expressed substantial anxiety that the work to recharge the pebble ridge to protect the Burrows from erosion had not gone forward.

Geoffrey Cox said:: “Those at the meeting gave me a lively account of their concerns for the Burrows and it was very useful to learn of the perspective of the 1716 Committee. The Burrows are a precious resource for our local community and it is essential that all parties work together to preserve and improve them. I will do all that I can to promote their welfare.”

Mr Cox promised to look into grant funding from Defra and has written to Torridge District Council to clarify its approach to the repair of the pebble ridge.

Northam Burrows, and in fact the entire coastline from Hartland Point to Anchor Head in Somerset is currently being reviewed by the “North Devon and Somerset Coastal Advisory Group” (NDASCAG) with a view to concluding a Shoreline Management Plan by January 2010.

The group, which not only involves the concerned Councils, but also agencies such as Natural England, The Environment Agency, English Heritage and many more, is currently inviting members of the public to voice their opinions during the consultation period, until January 2010.

Story in the North Devon Gazette