May 8, 2019 11.10 am This story is over 58 months old

Work to start £7m Lincolnshire beach protection scheme

It’s used a primary flood defence
Coastal protection work. | Photo: Environment Agency

Thousands of coastal homes will be protected by a £7 million scheme, which will pump more sand onto Lincolnshire beaches.

Starting next week on Monday, May 13, the Environment Agency will replenish 400,000 cubic metres of sand.

It will prevent coastal flooding by taking the brunt of the waves away from the existing sea defences.

Over the next six weeks beaches at Trusthorpe, Mablethorpe, Ingoldmells, Trunch Lane, Wolla Bank, Chapel Six Marshes and Huttoft will be protected.

There are over 20,000 homes and businesses, as well as 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land that are at risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency have been replenishing beaches annually since 1994, but admit that it is not sustainable long term.

Mark Robinson, senior flood risk advisor for the Environment Agency, said: “The scheme also offers real value to Lincolnshire’s coastal tourism economy, by maintaining the sandy beaches that are so well-loved by residents and visitors alike.

“While our annual beach nourishment works continue to be very effective, our long-term estimates suggest that it will not be sustainable to continue with just sand as a method of flood risk management in the future due to the impact of climate change.

“We are currently finalising our new draft strategy for coastal flood risk management over the next 100 years, which we will be taking forward to consultation later this year.”