£6M TO BOOST FLOOD DEFENCES
PLANS for a £6m flood defence scheme in Porthcawl will see major work undertaken on the Western Breakwater, Eastern Promenade and Sandy Bay areas of the town.
The project, led by Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC), will help protect more than 500 homes and more than 170 businesses in the town.
A recent study shows the Eastern Promenade sea wall and Western Breakwater structures are deteriorating and becoming more susceptible to overtopping.
Flood defences at Sandy Bay, Western Breakwater and Rhych Point are all earmarked for an upgrade as part of the work.
Cabinet member for education and regeneration Charles Smith said: “The scheme seeks to maintain sea defences and to protect properties within Porthcawl to meet the long-term needs of residents, with allowance for sea level rise to year 2118, in accordance with current guidance.
“The structures protect several million pounds worth of assets and infrastructure along the Western Breakwater and Eastern Promenade including the walkways, both the commercial businesses and the properties within the Jennings building, and properties that would otherwise be impacted by flooding events from the Porthcawl seafront.
“The defences also protect other commercial properties and utilities like gas, water and sewers along the seafront which provide important benefits to both employment and the economy of Porthcawl.
“Continuing to protect this area will give assurance to stakeholders to continue to live, work, visit and invest in the area.
“If the structures were to fail, a retreat of the shoreline position throughout Sandy Bay would be expected.
“It would also result in up to 531 residential and 175 non-residential properties being at flood risk.”
The sea wall at Eastern Promenade was constructed in the 1860s to form part of the inner harbour.
The Western Breakwater was built in the 1820s and extended in the 1860s – it is often seen in photos when large waves crash over.
BCBC has submitted a full business case to Welsh Government for the work and is currently awaiting final approval of the scheme.
If approved, the Welsh Government will provide 75% of the funding with the remaining amount coming from BCBC.
A public consultation in Porthcawl took place on the plans in February 2019.
At a BCBC cabinet meeting on Tuesday, councillors will be asked to authorise the tender process for the coastal defence work.
It follows a £3m project to replace sea defences at Town Beach which has helped to protect 260 homes, businesses and historic buildings such as the Grand Pavilion.