UK announces coastal flood defence works

In one project, up to 5,000 cubic metres of shingle is to be moved along the beach in West Sussex, on the south coast, to protect homes and businesses after recent storms caused erosion, the Environment Agency said.

“As we enter the winter months, it is essential that the shingle beach is maintained to ensure it continues to provide protection to homes and businesses,” said flood and coastal risk manager Nick Gray, with the agency. “Sea levels are projected to rise by over one metre in southern England this century, and with more frequent powerful storms also predicted, the risk of increased coastal erosion and flooding is likely.”

The shingle, which equates to two Olympic-sized swimming pools, will be moved by excavator and bulldozed into position.

In 2005 a coastal defence scheme saw rock groynes being built along the beach in the area to slow the natural movement of shingle along the beach, protecting 1,400 residential properties and businesses.

Canvey Island

Over on the east coast, next to the Thames Estuary, the Thames Estuary Asset Management (TEAM) programme will renew flood defence revetment along with adding improvements to the seafront and shoreline to protect homes and businesses on Canvey Island.

The £75 million (€87 million) project is being carried out as much of the island lies below the daily high-water level in the estuary.

“A 3km stretch of the island’s existing tidal flood defence revetment will be renewed on its southern shoreline. Sections of the current revetment over the project area date back to the 1930s and need replacing,” TEAM said, adding that the works should last for 50 years and would take future sea level rises into account.

“This project is essential for managing the risk of flooding for thousands of people, homes and businesses on Canvey Island,” said James Mason, operations manager with the Environment Agency.