MP welcomes Government funding for combatting coastal erosion

MP welcomes Government funding for

combating coastal erosion

01 December 2009, Great Yarmouth

Tony Wright MP has welcomed news that Great Yarmouth is to be one of 15 pilot authorities as part of the Government’s Pathfinder project to look into ways of addressing the issue of coastal erosion.

The 15 coastal pathfinders will be funded from the £11 million coastal change fund announced in June, and the programme is intended to improve understanding of how coastal communities can adapt to coastal change.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council will receive almost £300,000 for a joint project in conjunction with the Scratby Coastal Erosion Group which, along with the other 14 projects across the country, will go on to formulate future Government policy on coastal erosion.

Tony said:

‘I am pleased that Great Yarmouth has been selected in conjunction with Scratby to participate in the pathfinder programme. I have always campaigned on behalf of those people affected by coastal erosion and by taking part in this programme we can help to formulate effective future policy on this important issue.

‘The £300,000 will test different approaches to adapt to coastal erosion and change, such as roll-back and business support programmes, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Scratby Coastal Erosion Group and the Borough Council on this project.’

Working in partnership with their communities, the pathfinders will test new and innovative approaches to planning for and managing coastal change. This will allow them to share their lessons and experiences enabling them to formulate effective policy. The program will run from December until Spring 2011.

North Norfolk District Council will also receive £3 million for educating coastal communities and evacuation planning, while Waveney District Council will receive over £1.5 million to undertake in-depth adaptation planning on communities at risk and a comprehensive beach strategy.