Blackpool bags £61m to shore up sea walls
Work to replace and upgrade coastal defences in Bispham is to begin next year after the council secured an eight-figure investment from the Environment Agency.
The £61m scheme will see two sections of Blackpool’s sea defences refurbished – 1.5km from Princes Way at Little Bispham to Red Bank Road and 1.3 km from Gynn Square to Cocker Square.
The scheme is aimed at reducing the risk of erosion to 3,631 homes, and 380 commercial properties, as well as protecting strategically important infrastructure, including the tramway.
Bispham’s existing defences, which were constructed in the 1980s, have been regularly maintained but are now in need of replacement, according to Blackpool Council.
“Many coastal communities are experiencing the devastating effects of coastal erosion and it is critical that we act now to protect the coastline of Blackpool,” said Cllr Jane Hugo, cabinet member for climate change.
“I am delighted that we have been allocated this funding that will allow us to refurbish the defences and will give us an opportunity to improve access for users of the beach.”
This is great news,any help is good
By Gary Bryant