Coastal Concern Action Group, based in Happisburgh on the North Norfolk coast, held a meeting in their parish church on Friday attended by around 200 people, celebrating ten years of the founding of the group, and their achievements during that period.

After a welcome from Rev Philip Wood, Diana Wrightson, one of the members of the CCAG steering group, recapped the circumstances that led to a similar meeting held in St Mary’s Church ten years ago to discuss the issue of worsening coastal erosion of Happisburgh’s cliffs. Following that meeting CCAG was set up under the leadership of their Co-ordinator Malcolm Kerby.

Norman Lamb, the Lib Dem MP for North Norfolk then explained the political impact that CCAG had brought about through its policy of constructive dialogue rather than direct confrontation, and the scope of the influence that the group now received. He also summarised the current position that although there was currently no sign of change of a policy on defending the coast, there had been changes in attitude to the possibility of  ‘compensation’, and that the campaigning of CCAG had been a large factor in that change. (more…)

An internet campaign to raise awareness of erosion problems at an Angus beach was launched yesterday.

Campaign group SOS (Save Our Sands) Montrose is calling for those concerned about the erosion of the town’s beach to put pressure on local politicians to demand urgent action.

The group believes sand dredged from the local harbour and its navigation channel has had a devastating effect on the beach. (more…)

THE FINAL sea defence plans for coastlines in the area have been rubber-stamped by Chichester District Council.

During a full council meeting at the Selsey Centre, Manor Road, the final recommendations for the Pagham to East Head draft coastal defence strategy were discussed.

The majority of councillors voted to adopt the sea defences policies as the coast protection authority for the area and support the plans, which are drawn up by the Environment Agency. (more…)

Sea defence campaigners have branded Natural England’s (NE) policies ‘crazy’ as the final touches are being made to the Pagham to East Head draft coastal defence strategy.

The Environment Agency (EA) is just weeks away from releasing the final plans for the draft strategy.

But Save Our Selsey (SOS) campaigners fear the EA is being ‘restrained’ by NE. (more…)

Bulldozers have been brought in at Medmerry to bolster its sea defences in preparation for some of the highest tides of the year.

The shingle bank at the low-lying area of Medmerry will be strengthened by the Environment Agency (EA) to prevent damage from the sea this autumn. (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

The Environment Agency has opted to flood Medmerry and move its sea defence boundaries over the next 100 years to prevent further risks of flooding.

The proposal was made in the East Head to Pagham draft coastal defence strategy released today by the EA.

Medmerry has been badly hit by storms in recent years, with some properties already crumbling under the sea’s grip.

The EA outlined in its draft strategy it would work with landowners to define new defence lines and locate where it could create a new space for a new tidal habitat.

James Humphrys, Solent and South Downs area manager for the EA, said it recognised the threat of flooding and erosion, but central government funding was limited.

“We cannot prevent all flooding and erosion. The storm back in March that washed away the shingle beach at Medmerry and flooded the caravan site was a stark reminder for us all,” he said (more…)