08/04/2005 - The Environment
Agency has started essential work to improve
the sea defences at Bulverhythe, East Sussex.
The scheme started this week and will improve
the existing coastal defences. It will provide
protection to nearly 800 residential properties,
80 businesses, the railway line and the A259
from coastal flooding.
The sea defence works consists of two phases
and could take two years to complete although
the Environment Agency is currently investigating
whether it could be completed in one year.
The first phase of the scheme will involve
the building of two rock groynes and a 1000
metre rock revetment. Seven further rock groynes
will be built in the second phase and the
beach will be recharged with shingle. The
rock will be brought by barge from Norway
and a dredger will bring the shingle from
a site off the South Coast of England.
Whilst the majority of work is carried out,
the path along the back of the beach will
remain open. However, for health and safety
reasons there will be times when the road
will have to close.
The Environment Agency’s Sussex Area Flood
Defence Manager, Andrew Gilham, said:
"The section of coast at Bulverhythe
is vulnerable so these improvements are extremely
important. We are pleased to be starting work
to ensure we improve the standard of the defences
and reduce flood risk to the local community.
"For safety reasons we will have to
close the path that runs along the back of
the beach whilst some work is carried out.
We will make sure to keep these closures to
a minimum and do all we can to reduce the
disruption and restrictions."
