(Image credit: Terry Bearpark)
Local MP, Graham Stuart, says winning the backing of Coastal Communities Minister, Jake Berry, could make a major difference in the fight to save the fast-eroding coastline to the south of Withernsea. Graham has written to Mr Berry in the hope of getting government support for a major upgrade to local sea defences.
The South Withernsea Coastal Defence Scheme would extend the barrier of rock armour by nearly 400 metres to ensure that the town is protected to its boundary. The plans seek to secure the future of nearly three hundred residential properties, holiday homes and holiday chalets around Newsham Gardens and Holmpton Road, which are currently threatened by cliff losses of over 6 metres each year.
Graham wants the Coastal Communities Minister to lend his support to the project and help the council’s search for funding. The Coastal Communities Fund – a major potential revenue stream – is currently off-limits for the Withernsea scheme because of the narrow criteria it applies to bids. Graham wants Mr Berry to review these criteria in recognition of the immense benefits that upgrades to Withernsea’s coastal defences would give the local area.
Graham also extended an invitation to the Minister to visit Withernsea and see for himself the damaging effects of coastal erosion and the vicinity of homes and businesses to the collapsing cliff edge. Graham recently met residents from the affected areas to hear their concerns and is now taking their case to the top of government.
Graham said: “We’ve known for a long time that the Holderness coastline is one of the fastest-eroding in Europe – and we need to make sure that homes and businesses in towns like Withernsea are being properly protected. This vital scheme will ensure the town is defended to its extremities, so it’s vital that the council can secure sufficient funding for these major upgrades.
“The Coastal Communities Fund is an excellent government initiative, which has helped areas like Kilnsea already, but I want to see its criteria widened to include projects like the South Withernsea Coastal Defence Scheme. Without funding, the plans for upgraded sea defences may fall by the wayside, much like the coastline such a scheme would protect.”
