MP welcomes plans to extend coastal defences for flood-risk town

PLANS TO extend coastal defences for an East Yorkshire town have been welcomed by an MP who has been lobbying for flood barrier improvements.

Graham Stuart MP said “substantial progress” had been made on improved defences for Withernsea when he met with planning officers at East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Mr Stuart, the Conservative MP for Beverley and Holderness, welcomed plans for an extended barrier of rock-armour at the southern end of the town.

He said: “Both the council and I are committed to seeing this vital coastal protection project properly delivered. My meeting with senior planning officers at the council 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.”

The Holderness coastline is eroding at one of the fastest rates among seaside areas in Europe.

Council bosses are looking into ways of securing funding for the project, which could extend to the end of chalets at the southern end of the town. Mr Stuart said householders and businesses in the Newsham Gardens area were particularly concerned about the need for sea defences.

He said: “I met with residents last week to 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.”

Coun Lyn Healing, who represents Beverley and Holderness, added: “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 if proper sea defences aren’t provided.”