(Image credit: David Wright/CC BY-SA 2.0)
Local MP, Graham Stuart, says he is pleased to see “substantial progress” being made on improving coastal defences along the Withernsea coastline. Following the latest meeting with senior planning officers at East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC), Mr Stuart has welcomed plans for an extended barrier of rock-armour at the southern end of the town.
The coastline in Holderness is eroding at one of the fastest rates of any across Europe, and the situation has been a great concern to local residents for many years. Mr Stuart has led a long-running campaign to lobby ERYC and establish a proper plan to protect endangered homes and businesses.
The local MP was quick to support the latest announcement that ERYC plans to extend coastal defences up to within one hundred metres of the end of the chalets at the southern end of town and right to the end of them if possible. ERYC is currently exploring funding streams for the project.
Graham Stuart MP said: “Both the Council and I are committed to seeing this vital coastal protection project properly delivered. My meeting with senior planning officers at ERYC was highly encouraging, and I am pleased to report back to my constituents that a good plan is in place to protect this endangered coastline.
“For many years, I have been aware of concerns for the houses and businesses at the Newsham Gardens end of Withernsea, so I am pleased that ERYC are taking steps in the right direction. I met with a group of residents last week to discuss fill them in on the Council’s proposals, and I’ll be working tirelessly in Parliament to help find the money that is needed to see this project come to fruition.”
Cllr Lyn Healing said: “As a resident of Holmpton Road near Newsham Gardens, as well as the local Ward Councillor, I know how deeply concerned my neighbours are about what might happen to their homes in future if proper sea defences aren’t provided along the coast. I’ve been raising this concern with Graham for years and know he’s been working hard to help find us a solution. It’s good news that progress seems to be being made now.”
