Save
our Selsey
Campaign for Coastal Defence
Selsey Life April ‘09
Save Our Selsey
Campaign for Coastal Protection – Reflections on a busy and successful year
The following is a brief summary of the presentation given at our AGM on 11 March 2009:
Richard Dearsley, Chair, used a slide presentation to illustrate the ups and downs of the previous year. SOS successfully applied for a Grassroots Grant, from the Sussex Community Foundation, which will be used mainly for printing, website and running costs. The Coast Defence Strategy (CDS) is now being considered by the Environment Agency’s Board and will then be submitted to Defra and, finally, to the Treasury for final approval. Permanent repairs are being carried out on the West Beach wall collapse, under emergency funding. Securing this money took a long time but, fortunately, the emergency work first carried out by the District Council in 2007 held out well. SOS has also suggested that beach replenishment, higher revetments and rock groynes be considered on West Beach. Much needed repairs at East Beach are in progress but we are still concerned over the erosion at Medmerry Cliffs.
So, the campaign continues as SOS works with other community groups and local bodies. We have been invited to participate in preliminary discussions with the Shoreline Management Plan – an ongoing management system for the coast between Southampton and Selsey Bill. Hopefully our CDS will be incorporated into this Plan without any radical changes. Selsey is unlikely to receive any further funding from central Government for the urban frontages (the hard defences between the extreme east end of East Beach and the Coastguard Station on the West Beach), other than possibly funding for emergency works. It has been estimated that Selsey will need at least £30 million in the next 20 years, of which £20 million alone will be needed for the work on the East Beach as laid out in the CDS. As you can appreciate, sourcing future funding is of paramount importance.
At a meeting with the Environment Agency early in March, they explained that, although survey work on the Medmerry frontage is imminent, there will be no spades in the ground for construction of the planned banks for at least three years. In the meantime, they have assured us that the present flood defences will be maintained, unless there is a catastrophic failure! SOS will be actively involved in the planning for realignment at Medmerry and in discussions regarding the inclusion of amenities in the scheme.
Roland O’Brien, SOS Spokesperson, expanded on the exciting links we now have with national coast forums such as the National Voice of Coastal Communities and Coastnet. - enabling us to share experience, pool research and press for change in Government policy. Brian Rainer, SOS Vice Chair, updated the meeting regarding the ongoing Petition. Supporters were encouraged to share their ideas with us face to face or via our website.
In conclusion thanks were expressed to all supporters, helpers and the committee and, following the Treasurer’s healthy Report, the meeting was thrown open for questions from the floor.
Contact us: via www.saveourselsey.org or by letter hand delivered to the SOS box in the reception area of Selsey Town Council, for which facility we are deeply grateful.