Graham continues to put pressure on Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, to provide £3m from the European Regional Development Fund for Withernsea.
Last year ERYC received the disappointing news that its bid to the Coastal Communities Fund for rock armour protection for the south end of Withernsea had been turned down. Not to be deterred, East Riding Councillors Lyn Healing and Dave Tucker worked with Council officers immediately to make a £3m bid to the ERDF. If successful, the £3m from the ERDF, plus the £2m cash shortfall which will be provided by ERYC, will allow the Council to carry out the much-needed work to extend the existing coastal defences with 400m of rock armour.
Graham said “I know how disappointing it is that the money hasn’t been found before this and while I can’t guarantee we’re going to land the £3m ERDF money this time either, I’m doing everything in my power to make it happen.
“I wanted Jake Berry MP, the Northern Powerhouse Minister, to see for himself the challenges of beating back the coastal erosion, and to understand the devastating consequences to my constituents’ lives if nothing is done to stop the sea moving ever closer to their homes and businesses. I’m grateful he accepted my invitation to visit Withernsea last November, and he took away with him the reality of what it will mean if money isn’t found for a protection scheme.
“Councillors Lyn Healing and Dave Tucker continue to do sterling work on residents’ behalf, encouraging Council officers to find the funding needed to protect this vulnerable coastline. The Councillors know they have my full support at Government level. I will continue to lobby my ministerial colleagues at every opportunity to bang home to them why we need to stop the coastal erosion along Holmpton Road.
“I wrote to Jake Berry MP again yesterday to remind him that Withernsea is in suspense, waiting to find out if he’s allocating the £3m to us, and that we need the decision as soon as possible so East Riding Council can get on with the work.”
Photo: Graham discussing coastal erosion protection with Withernsea residents.
