A beloved English beach could vanish forever thanks to coastal erosion, with the local council launching a £30million project to save the resort.
Anchorsholme Beach, just four miles north of Blackpool's famous pier, has been a hotspot for British holidaymakers ever since the Victorian era.
But it could be lost to future generations forever if the coast continues to erode and undermine current sea defences.
Blackpool Council is currently in the final consultation stage for a £30million investment which would see five new rock groynes installed on the beach on the Lancashire coast.
Anchorsholme Beach, just four miles north of Blackpool's famous pier, has been a hotspot for British holidaymakers ever since the Victorian era
Getty
The wooden structures would run from the top of the beach to the sea and would prevent sand and sediment from moving along the coastline.
The council has said that the new defences would provide coastal flood protection to over 5,000 properties and “stabilise the beach”.
Work will begin later this year and is expected to continue until 2028.
During this period, the beach will be largely inaccessible, local news website The Gazette reports.
MORE LIKE THIS:
It lies just four miles north of Blackpool's famous pier
Getty
A design and access statement submitted with the planning application said: “The scheme will retain the beach as an important local amenity for existing and future generations.
“The loss of the beach without the installation of the groynes, would not only be harmful to the character and appearance of the area but would also result in the loss of a large area of beach habitat.”
A public consultation has been underway for some time, but the local authority has now made a public announcement about the project under the Coast Protection Act.
Blackpool Council said: “The existing coastal defences, which opened in 2017, have not performed as the designers expected. In a localised area, movement and damage to the revetment structure has occurred.
Blackpool Council is currently in the final consultation stage for a £30million investment which would see five new rock groynes installed on the beach on the Lancashire coast
Google Street View
“To address this, large rocks will be added to the existing revetment. This will add weight to stabilise the structure and protect it from further damage.
The council added: “A higher and more stable beach will also enhance public use and the addition of rocks will create habitats, boosting biodiversity.
“Rock groynes have been effective along the coast at Rossall to the north. There are also plans to implement them in the southern areas of Blackpool.”
The project, partially funded by the Environment Agency, will be carried out by Balfour Beatty.
