St Lawrence councillor, Chris Bonney, last night told the Ventnor Town Council about a new Isle of Wight council consultation taking place over the next three months.

The Draft Shoreline Management Plan 2 is a strategic document setting out policies for the management of the Island’s coastline over the next 20, 50 and 100 years.

The policies also cover the council’s response to coastal flooding and erosion risks.

No active intervention from Ventnor to Totland
What was very worrying last night, was when Cllr Bonney told the meeting that according to the document, one of the suggestions was that no active intervention take place between Ventnor and Totland over the next 100 years.

We’ve yet to go through the document in detail, but you can view it yourselves by visiting the Coastal Wight Website.

Visit the roadshow
The roadshow, which visits Yarmouth, Cowes, Wootton, Ryde and Sandown, was also discussed and it was agreed by councillors that the Winter Gardens would be offered as a venue for those in the south, as the alternative offered to Cllr Bonney was to make an appointment to view the documents at the Coastal Visitor Centre.

It was felt that would not encourage people to engage in the consultation process.

Full details are available on the Coastal Wight Website.

Story in the Isle of Wight News

COASTAL defences around Millom may only be actively maintained for the next 20 years, according to a new report.

The proposals, identified in Shoreline Management Plan 2, show minimal intervention would be taken after 20 years at Millom Marshes, while coast between Haverigg and Eskmeals could see no active intervention at all.

The consultation document outlines potential policies for the future of the coastline in the North West and North Wales and identifies a handful of area in South Copeland as receiving protection.

The plan labels sections of coast with one of four categories advance the line – which would see new defences built on the seaward side of existing protection, hold the line – which would see repairs done, managed realignment – which sees minimal intervention and no active intervention – which allows the shoreline to naturally realign.

Villages such as Kirkby and Askam could be actively defended for the next 50 years, but Millom Marshes to the south of the town has been classed as ‘hold the line’ for just 20 years before being removed to “managed realignment”.

Red Hills, the town’s former industrial area would see no active intervention, though Haverigg and Hodbarrow Nature reserve would be defended. The potential threat was highlighted at the latest Millom Town Council meeting by councillor Brian Crawford. Cllr Crawford spoke of his concern regarding the proposed stance towards the issue.

He said: “I have a copy of the results of the latest consultation on shoreline management and I am very concerned. They are not going to bother with areas just past Haverigg and further on the Duddon Estuary.

“With the predicted rise in sea levels they will totally wipe out areas like the railway system between here and Askam.”

Cllr Crawford argued the study highlighted the potential importance of a tidal barrage across the Duddon Estuary.

He said: “One of the tick boxes for the Duddon barrage is if it is constructed it will provide some protection.

“This sort of thing can seriously affect the future of an area.”

The document is currently in the final draft stages and will open for consultation with councillors by late summer with a plan of being “signed off” by December this year.

Story in the North West Evening Mail

Hopton is aiming to swing a breaker’s ball through a coastal defence plan which suggests no defence.

Leaflets will be dropping on to more than 1,000 doormats urging villagers to take a stand against the Government’s Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) at a public meeting at Potters Leisure Resort on Thursday.

Its suggestion to abandon a huge stretch of the coast to the sea has caused a storm of protest. But Brian Hardisty, chairman of Hopton Coastal Action Group, says not enough people have woken up to the implications of the plan on house prices and the damage it could do to the tourist industry.

He said a flurry of information drop-in sessions, including one at Sea Palling on Tuesday and at Great Yarmouth Town Hall on Wednesday this week were too low-key and unbalanced in that there was no opportunity for debate or to hear conflicting views.

The SMP has already been rejected once by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and is currently up for review.

Mr Hardisty said: “The meeting is to discuss the SMP for Hopton which has not been changed from what it was three years ago which is no active intervention in the medium and long term. Once the SMP is accepted by the borough council it is going to be there for 100 years.

“Campaigner Malcolm Kerby told me that under no circumstances should the SMP be accepted by the borough council because there is nothing in place to stop things sliding in to the sea. Most people in the village have never heard of the SMP. Council representatives are coming to explain it to people. We have to create interest because once it’s a deal and is accepted it is a done deal.”

Bernard Harris and Tim Howard will represent the borough council at the meeting. MP Brandon Lewis will be at Westminster and is sending a representative.

The meeting is in the Zest Rooms at Potters on Thursday at 7pm.

Brian Hardisty can be contacted at brianhardisty@btinternet.com .

Story in the Lowestoft Journal

A village and more than 1,000 acres of land would be lost to the sea if plans laid out in a blueprint for tackling erosion in Suffolk are accepted.

The Environment Agency’s Shoreline Management Plan calls for the continued defence of major towns and villages from flooding and coastal erosion.

But it also says over the next 30 to 40 years the village of Covehithe will be surrendered to the sea.

Property and historic sites in Easton Bavents and Dunwich will also be lost.

The plan, which goes before Suffolk County Council’s cabinet next Tuesday, also says:

• Sea defences at Lowestoft, Southwold and Felixstowe will be maintained
• The main area of Kessingland will be protected and the A12 will be defended
• Some land and property will be lost at Pakefield
• The historic village of Covehithe, including its 15th Century church, will be lost to the sea
• About 1,000 acres (400 hectares) of land between Kessingland and Southwold will be lost.

Edward Vere Nicoll, estate manager for The Benacre Estate – which owns a large portion of land at Covehithe and the surrounding area, hit out at the plan.

He accepted the need for a “managed retreat” of the coast, but not for the wholesale “sacrifice” of large tracts of land and a village.

He said the plan ignored the willingness of landowners to pay for work to help protect the coastline.

“Local people are all pretty disgusted and seriously worried about it,” he said.

A report to the council says due to rising sea levels, erosion risk management is a priority.

It recommends the Environment Agency plan be endorsed by the council, but Guy McGregor, portfolio holder for roads, transport and planning, stressed that any final decision is still open for discussion.

“We simply have to engage with communities, which is why it is going before our cabinet committee,” he said.

“We look forward to the discussion.”

Mr McGregor said that the cost involved in protecting some parts of the coast could be huge.

No-one from the Environment Agency was available for comment.

Story on the BBC News website

A SMALL community has told of its determination to protect its homes against coastal erosion after learning it is set to be abandoned to the ravages of the North Sea.

Residents in the tiny hamlet of Covehithe, just north of Southwold, face an uncertain future if Suffolk’s Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is given the green light.

The scheme has been drawn up to suggest how flood and erosion risk should be tackled along the coast from Lowestoft Ness to Languard Point in Felixstowe.

At Covehithe it recommends a policy of “no active intervention” for the next century – meaning that within 30 to 40 years the entire hamlet, including homes, the historic 15th century church and important conservation areas, will be lost.

But in a move that could be mirrored along the Suffolk coast the community is planning to pay for its own sea defences.

The settlement of Covehithe falls within the Benacre Estate, which has been run by the Gooch family since 1746 and is currently owned by Lady Gooch.

Last night her son-in-law, Edward Vere Nicoll, estate manager, said he had already met with representatives from Natural England to discuss the possibility of funding their own sea defences.

“We are not just going to sit here and do nothing,” he said. “The Benacre Estate loses 16 acres every year- that’s a minimum. What we would like to do is take an area and see how we get on for two or three years. We’re not going to stop the erosion but we might be able to slow it down.

“Covehithe is a beautiful village with a wonderful church and community. There are homes and there is a farm. We have to try and protect it. Otherwise it will all be lost.

“I have had some very positive discussions with Natural England and I am hoping we will be able to pay for our own defences – which would be similar in design to what has already been done at Dunwich and which has just been agreed for Thorpeness.

“It was a wish of my dear late father-in-law Sir Timothy Gooch that we try to protect it and that is what we will do.”

The SMP is due to be discussed by the Environment Agency Flood Defence Committee on Friday. Its recommendation for Covehithe reads: “The historically important village…and areas of internationally designated habitat would be lost. Despite this, it is not considered sustainable to attempt to manage the erosion.”

It suggests finding alternative sites for nature conservation and investing in further research to record valuable information before it is lost.

If approved the plan will go to the Government for an environmental assessment, before being submitted to the Environment Agency director – which should see it given full approval in the summer.

A spokesman for Suffolk Coastal District Council, which has led the SMP project, said any proposed scheme would have to be submitted to Waveney District Council. However, he added that the recommendations do not prevent local small scale schemes so long as they do not impact on coastal processes such as sediment supply, affect conservation interests or the landscape quality of the area.

A spokeswoman for Waveney District Council said it would be happy to talk with representatives from the Benacre Estate, discussions which would also involve the Environment Agency and Natural England.

“We await the adoption of the SMP and it will be challenging to tick all their [the Benacre Estate] boxes and satisfy the environmental constraints of the plan,” she said.

Story by Craig Robinson in the Ipswich Evening Star

A PLAN to stop a road collapsing into the sea is being held back by red tape, it is claimed.

The road leading to Eskmeals Gun Range, near Bootle, is seven feet away from the highest water level during a storm.

Fears are mounting that one or two extreme waves will result in the road falling into the sea.

Gun range managers QinetiQ plans to install concrete blocks on the beach to protect the road, but needs permission from “a number of parties” before the work can be carried out.

A QinetiQ spokeswoman said: “The deterioration of the road is a concern for QinetiQ, which operates the MOD Eskmeals Range, as well as for others in the community, including local authorities.

“We are more than happy to work with people to try to find a solution. However, we cannot act without the permission of the relevant authorities, such as those ultimately responsible for the road or the local environment.

“One suggested interim solution, to help reinforce the existing sea defences with surplus concrete blocks from MOD Eskmeals, would also require permission and approval from a number of parties before it can proceed.”

Bootle villagers braved the freezing weather on Thursday to meet Copeland Borough Council officials and gun range manager David Harrison in a plea to save the Eskmeals road. Villagers are now demanding that something be done.

Mr Harrison offered the use of 100 concrete blocks, known as Pendine blocks, to help with the protection.

But Mr Harrison said similar efforts in the past had been blocked, as the act would be classed as fly-tipping.

Mr Harrison said: “There is a short-term solution there, that will buy more time to deal with the road.”

Lead campaigner and Bootle parish councillor Trudy Harrison said: “The on-site beach meeting in Bootle was organised to highlight the plight of residents and local businesses. The road is but two storms away from falling into the sea. As one of only one of a few beaches in the National Park, it should be preserved and treasured. I doubt its current condition fits the criteria for a world-class tourist destination.

“However, the meeting was hopeful and positive.

“I will be pursuing a meeting with the National Park Authority, Copeland Borough Council, the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency to find a sensible, low-cost solution to this urgent problem.

“Let’s hope when free materials, machinery, labour and local need are highlighted, we can move forward with a pro-active approach.”

Bootle farmer Casson Fox said: “If you put those blocks down now, I can guarantee that road will still be there in 10 years’ time.”

The need for the road is highlighted in the Bootle Community Plan, which was launched to spearhead the village’s economic survival.

The road has been left unprotected in line with the government’s Shoreline Management Plan which has a “no action” policy on the road.

The plan outlines which shorelines around the country should be protected and which ones should not be. Bootle Parish Council will officially stand against the plan at a meeting with the borough council in Muncaster on February 11.

Robert Morris-Eyton, land agent for Stubb Place Farm, which sits yards from the threatened road, said: “The problem is there are so many agencies in involved. We need to sit everyone round a table and thrash this out. “Eskmeals employs vasts amount of people. It is an important business in the area.”

A spokesman for the county council said QinetiQ would need permission from the borough council, and not from the county council, for defences to be put on the beach. The borough council’s flood and coastal engineer David Bechelli refused to talk to the Evening Mail at the site on Thursday. Ian Curwen, press officer for the borough council, was unavailable for comment.

Story in the North West Evening Mail

Consultation started yesterday on a “no active intervention” policy for much of East Yorkshire’s fast crumbling coastline, outside settlements and towns which will continue to be defended.

The number two shoreline management plan – which cost more than £300,000 – draws strikingly similar conclusions to a report 10 years ago and has already attracted criticism from some local residents who say the money would have been better spent on helping those who face losing their homes.

Aldbrough is among the villages where a policy of “no active intervention” is being advocated until 2105.

Aldbrough parish councillor Mark Teale said: “It would have been far more useful to spend that money improving the lives of those who are suffering rather than paying highly paid people to write the report.

“The money would have gone some way to subsidising a rollback programme.”

Fisherman Derek Crook, who lost his home at Tunstall to coastal erosion and lives in a caravan yards from the cliff edge, said: “Rather than telling us what we already know, the £300,000 could have gone to the people who’ve lost land and houses as a bit of compensation.”

The MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, said: “This plan is going to be going out to public consultation and I would urge everyone who has any interest in the future of the area to attend one of the events which will be held and make their feelings known.

“I look forward to meeting with the local authority, the Environment Agency and Natural England to discuss the plan.

“While I fully understand many people will see the entire Shoreline Management Plan as a complete waste of money, it must be remembered this is now part of an ongoing process – there will be future such plans and the more often they happen the better we will all be able to assess what action needs to be taken by future generations.”

The report, covering the coastline between Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire and Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire, says the current defence line will be held at Bridlington, Hornsea, Mappleton and Withernsea, as well as at the Dimlington and Easington gas terminals. One difference from the earlier SMP is that it proposes managing the problem of “outflanking” caused by the sea cutting in round the edge of defences at the the three major towns by building additional defences.

Spurn Point, where the country’s only full-time lifeboat station is based, would only get intervention to maintain access.

The draft says defending the whole coast would stop coarse sand and gravel eroded from the cliffs being carried southwards to maintain Spurn Head, which in turn protects Grimsby and Cleethorpes as well as building up the mudflat buffers protecting settlements and land along the Humber estuary.

Fine sand travelling across the Humber also builds up the wide sandy beaches of Lincolnshire, a natural coastal defence.

The east coast is the fastest-eroding coastline in western Europe, disappearing at a rate of seven feet a year to the south of Hornsea. Less than six miles have sea defences.

East Riding Council’s director of planning and economic regeneration, Alan Menzies, said defending the whole coast would be “unfundable and impractical”.

He urged residents and businesses to get involved by attending one of the consultation events, writing or e-mailing the council.

The first of the events is at Skeffling Village Hall on December 8. This is followed by Shores Centre, Withernsea, on December 10; Hornsea Floral Hall on December 14; Bridlington Spa on December 15.

For more information visit www.hecag-smp2.co.uk/

Main points of plan add up to very little

The SMP2 proposes:

“No active intervention” from Flamborough to Sewerby until 2105, but work will be permitted to ensure the RNLI Station at South Landing continues to operate.

Defence works may be needed at Bridlington, Hornsea and Withernsea to manage outflanking – caused when the sea cuts in round the edge of defences.

Wilsthorpe to Atwick: “no active intervention” until 2105

Rolston to Waxholme: “no active intervention” until 2105. However works may be needed on the Tunstall Drain.

The current defence line will be held between Easington Road and Stone Creek. There may be limited managed realignment “to ensure sustainable flood defences and meet the requirements of environmental legislation.”

East Immingham to Cleethorpes: The defences will stay in their current position.

Seacroft to Gibralter Point: The long term policy is “conditional”.

Story by Alexandra Wood in the Yorkshire Post

The future of Cumbria’s Eskmeals firing range is in doubt because the only access road is in danger of being washed away.

The Ministry of Defence gun range, operated by QinetiQ, employs 82 people.

But the only access, from the A595 at Bootle in west Cumbria, is at risk from coastal erosion.

The road was blocked by tidal-borne debris following severe storms in 2002.

That prompted the MoD to express concerns about the “viability” of the range if the road were to be washed away.

Consultants have drawn up options to protect the route. These include rock armour, building a concrete sea wall and diverting the road, but nothing has been done. Copeland Council, which is responsible for coastal protection, has a policy of “no active intervention” at Eskmeals. The inaction has frustrated Cumbria County Council.

The issue was due to be debated by the council’s ruling cabinet today. The authority is likely to ask Copeland and the MoD to fund the works. Should they refuse, the council could ask Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to intervene.

Cabinet may also ask the MoD to re-connect the rail link to Eskmeals, which was closed on cost grounds in 1996.

A report from the county council’s Copeland local committee stresses the need for the cabinet to intervene. It says: “The support of cabinet…could be of vital importance in securing the construction of the necessary coastal protection works to protect the highway from erosion, thereby allowing Eskmeals to continue to exercise its functions in support of the local economy and jobs.

“It would also ensure the protection of the farm at Stub Point and the residential properties on the landward side of the road.”

There has been a firing range at Eskmeals since 1894, initially to test shells.

Story in the Whitehaven News