Protecting Our Coastal Homes

As residents of a coastal area, we're acutely aware of the threats posed by the unpredictable North Sea. Generations of Blackpoolians have withstood the battering of storms and the slow but steady creep of coastal erosion. Our long seafront promenade from Fleetwood to Starr Gate may dazzle visitors, but local folk know that beneath the glitz lies a constant struggle against the forces of nature.

For years we've witnessed the steady decline of our beaches and watched on as the tides batter the sea defences and threaten nearby homes and businesses. Sand dunes and sea walls that once provided a sturdy buffer are now badly worn, with gaps and weaknesses appearing. It's only a matter of time before the next major storm does some serious damage if nothing is done.

That's why I was delighted to hear that Blackpool Council has successfully secured over £119 million in government funding for three vital coastal defence schemes up and down our shoreline. At Bispham, where I've enjoyed walks and picked litter, under the plans, ageing sea defences will be repaired or replaced along two stretches from Princes Way to Red Bank Road and Gynn Square to Cocker Square.

It's heartbreaking to see the erosion with your own eyes. Sand that used to pile high on the beach is now substantially reduced, and the crashing waves seem to attack the lower promenade more fiercely threatening the cliff sides during storms. The new defences can't come soon enough; not only will they protect the homes of thousands of residents, but they'll also safeguard vital infrastructure like the tramway that thousands rely on daily.

Further south, a £57 million project will focus on restoring beach levels between Cocker Square and South Pier. It's no secret that the sands have been slipping away more rapidly than expected in recent times, weakening the sea walls. Pumping new sand onto the shoreline will act like a cushion, taking the brunt of waves and allowing our defences to last longer before repairs are needed.

Even Anchorsholme will see investment, with repairs to existing walls and plans to retain beach material. All told, these schemes will safeguard over 12,000 households from coastal flooding. That represents 12,000 peaceful nights of sleep knowing that our homes and community are protected for years to come.

As a council, securing such huge funding is no mean feat. We're lucky to have determined representatives like Cllr Jane Hugo fighting our corner. As she rightly says, many coastal areas are suffering badly from the impacts of climate change, so it's vital that preventative work starts now. The projects will also bring welcome jobs and apprenticeships during construction.

It seems the future is bright for Blackpool's eroding coastline at last. Public consultations will ensure local voices are heard throughout the process. As for me, I'll be keeping a close eye on progress with optimism and relief. The Fylde seafront has stood strong through centuries of storms - now, with this investment, I'm confident it will remain standing sturdily for generations more to come.

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