Hightown Beach Undergoes Coastal Protection for Erosion Prevention
Emergency coastal protection works will take place at Hightown beach next week as efforts are made to protect the beach and dunes from erosion. The works will help slow down the erosion of the dunes, which are the primary flood defence for Hightown.
Erosion by Storm Dave
The dunes and the beach in Hightown saw significant erosion following Storm Dave this April on the north side of United Utilities outflow. As a result, the dune ridge is much narrower, and the beach level is much smaller. This increases the risk of a dune breach which can cause flooding to homes. The nearest houses to the beach are only 80m from the dunes and at most risk.
Adding a rock armour
Sefton Council will be starting next week by installing a ‘rock armour’ on the north side of the United Utilities outflow, similar to the rocks on the south side of the outflow. This will help limit further erosion of the dunes.
The installation of the rock armour will be using the rocks already available from the access road to the Blundellsands Sailing club. The works are anticipated to take place for around a week, using heavy machinery.
Ensuring safety
The Council asks local residents and visitors to Hightown beach to follow any signage to ensure safety during the works on the beach. There may be further restrictions around accessing beach while the work takes place.
Future works
Further works are anticipated to take place in September to restore beach levels. This is anticipated to be completed by the end of November, depending on weather conditions. This will take sand that has eroded down the river Alt and use it to restore beach levels. These works are part of Sefton’s flood defences.
Paul Wisse, Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Team Manager at Sefton Council said:
“A combination of high tide levels and Storm Dave in April eroded a considerable amount of the beach and dune in Hightown. It is easy to see the erosion of the beach and dune when comparing to the south side of the United Utilities outfall.
“The coast is changing all the time, and these flood defence works are restoring beach levels in an area where there is a risk of flooding.
“These works are an important part of our flood defences, especially with houses so near to the dunes. These emergency coastal interventions are in place to protect residents and protect the dunes.”