Popular English seaside town at risk of losing beach forever reveals new £30million protection plans

PROTECTION plans have been revealed for a popular English seaside town at risk of losing its beach.

Erosion is currently causing a beach in Blackpool to disappear, and a new £30million investment plan is during its final consultation as part of work to protect the coastline.

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If the plans go ahead, there will be five new rock groynes built at Anchorsholme Beach.

Rock groynes are long, narrow structures built to limit coastal erosion, by controlling the movement of sand and rocks.

They will stretch between 75 metres and 125 metres long, from the existing sea wall and navigation markers will be placed at the end of the groynes to warn boats and ships that they are there.

As part of the funding, there is also grants from the Environment Agency.

Work is expected begin later this year and be completed in 2028.

If the works go ahead, access to the beach will consequently, be limited for about two years.

According to The Gazette, a design and access statement submitted with the planning application says: "The scheme will retain the beach as an important local amenity for existing and future generations.

"The loss of the beach without the installation of the groynes, would not only be harmful to the character and appearance of the area but would also result in the loss of a large area of beach habitat."

Blackpool's website states: "A healthy beach is the first line of defence against coastal flooding and erosion.

"Although Blackpool's beach levels naturally fluctuate throughout the year, there is a long-term trend of erosion and beach lowering.

"The underlying clay on Anchorsholme beach has at times become exposed.

"When this erodes the beach is lost permanently. Intervention is needed to stabilise the beach and maintain its protective function."

Some public consultation has already been held, however Blackpool Council has now published a public notice as part of the Coast Protection Act, giving notice of the works.

The current details of the plan can be viewed at Anchorsholme Library.

Locals who wish to object to the plans, must contract the council or the Secretary of State before May 6.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach will soon be getting a new £8.7million ride - which will also be the tallest of its kind in the UK.

Plus, the £459k revamp to one of the town's most popular attractions.

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