Funding secured to help fight coastal erosion in West Sussex

Worthing Borough Council has secured vital funding from the Environment Agency to help with the ongoing fight against coastal erosion.

As a coastal protection authority, the Council commissioned work across multi-agencies in a bid to solve the long-term problem of sea levels that are expected to rise by as much as 0.3 metres over the next 50 years.

And after detailed consultation with the Environment Agency, as well as residents and businesses, it was decided that replacing the existing wooden groynes dating back to as early as 1804, with rock defences would not be cost effective in the short term, but cannot be ruled out altogether.

Instead it was agreed that the project will initially concentrate on repairing the existing wooden groynes and replenishing the shingle as part of a two-phase Worthing Coastal Protection Scheme between Ferring and Lancing before longer-term work begins.

More than 2,030 homes in Worthing, as well as a significant number of industrial and commercial businesses are under threat from the risk of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

The £1.9million 'Hold the Line' project will concentrate on large scale repairs to the groynes and shingle replenishment at the town centre and the section of beach along the A259, Brighton Road, which are designed to ensure the defences are maintained for the next 10 years.

As a result of the consultation, Worthing Borough Council will only contribute 10 per cent or £200,000 towards the cost of these repairs with the remaining funding coming from the Environment Agency's Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Grant. Phase one is set to start in September 2023 and is expected to be completed by March 2024.

Phase two is a larger long-term project being led by the Environment Agency working with the Council and will cost an estimated £40m which is set to begin after completion of the first phase of works. The large-scale scheme will replace the existing groynes with sustainable materials in line with developing Sussex Bay initiatives and the innovative kelp restoration projects after consultation with residents, councillors, business owners and interested stakeholders.

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Worthing's Executive Member for Regeneration, said:

“We are a coastal protection authority and have worked in partnership with the Environment Agency to find the best solution for the long-term benefit and safety of all our residents, businesses, as well as trying to protect our beautiful shoreline.

“Coastal erosion is a huge problem and one that is naturally very expensive to try to halt, or at least delay. Sea levels are expected to rise by 0.3 metres over the next 50 years but by means of consultation with stakeholders and other agencies it has been universally agreed that this is the best and most productive option that will ultimately save money for the taxpayer.

“Thanks to those discussions and consultation with the Environment Agency, Worthing Borough Council has managed to save money in the long-term, as well as ensuring our coastline gets the best possible protection to safeguard the future of all.”