West Bay's flood defence scheme is ready for winter

Work was carried out on both East and West Beach last winter, being completed in October.

Last year the Environment Agency and Dorset Council completed the West Bay Coastal Defence Improvements project that reduces the risk of flooding from the sea to 260 properties and businesses.

The organisations both insist that West Bay is ready for whatever winter has to throw at it.

Levels at East Beach have dropped this year, reducing the width of the beach crest, creating a steep beach front in several places, likely a result of the wind and wave conditions experienced so far this year.

The Environment Agency completed work to reduce the steep front face of the beach in March and July 2020. These works have limited flood defence benefit and are only to improve amenity access to the beach.

The Environment Agency says it has plans in place and are ready to respond to any incidents including using machinery to re-profile and maintain the flood defence.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “As climate change affects our weather and increases the possibility of flooding in the future, it is vital we continue to work with partners to monitor our coastline and take action where necessary to protect Dorset residents and businesses.

On behalf of Dorset Council members and officers, I’d like to thank our colleagues at the Environment Agency for their help with these defence improvements. By working together, we can continue to face and overcome these challenges.”