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Campaign for Coastal Defence

SOS September 2011

Lifeboat Day Feedback

 Many thanks to everyone who visited our stand at Lifeboat Day. Despite a gust of wind that sent our awning flying, after speedy repairs we resumed chatting to visitors.

 We focussed on the two main issues that stand between Selsey being defended from coastal erosion & flood, in the medium & long term. These are funding, and the spread of environmental “designations” (which can interfere with - or push up the cost of - coastal defence activities).  

We also started our “BIG Survey” – to find out what you think and know about coast defences and whether we are getting good information to you. Paper copies are available by the SOS box in the Town Hall, and an online form will be available at www.saveourselsey.org – please do fill one in, whatever age you are, whether you are a visitor or resident.

In terms of funding, regular readers of this column will know that the Government will now (more or less) guarantee to pay part of the cost of coast defences, so long as the community comes up with the rest of the money. Government spending will go to communities which “contribute” – those that don’t will be left out, and their defences could be abandoned.

 

Several visitors to our stand felt that no government would ever abandon us.  Sadly, we had to inform them that at least one family has been made homeless in Selsey in the past 3 years, when government abandoned a coastal defence and their home was overwhelmed by the sea. One member of this family actually visited us on our stand, to wish us well. It was a humbling experience.

 Basically, if monies can’t be found to keep up coastal defences, then the authorities announce an “Exit Strategy”, telling people that they won’t be defended and suggesting they up & go. A recent legal opinion from a government lawyer suggested 2 years’ notice is all that is needed.

 Fortunately now in Selsey, nearly all our defences have been put into good enough shape to last for (maybe) 10 years. If we can scrape together about £40,000 per annum we might be able to keep Selsey’s defences going for a lot longer than this. That’s one positive thing we can, and must, do.

 However, when (finally) major repairs are needed again, on current predictions we’ll only get government funding if we pay about a third of the cost ourselves. The recent West Beach works cost £1.5m – on this basis the next time they need doing, we’ll have to find £0.5m ourselves. This points to the need to build up a fund, for when major works are needed.

 We’ll cover “environmental designations” next month. Meanwhile, look out for news about the “Marine Conservation Zone” proposals for Selsey and Pagham Harbour.