Beach receives some tender loving care
Seaford beach repair
The resculpting of Seaford Beach began on Monday February 25 and should take three weeks to complete.
The Environment Agency will move shingle from opposite ends of the beach back to the middle.
This helps to protect 300 homes and 50 businesses from flooding by taking the force out of the waves.
As a result the sea wall is safeguarded from damage and it prevents the waves from breaching the wall.
Shingle realignment takes place every year and helps reduce the risk of coastal flooding to low lying parts of the town.
Waves eventually move the shingle away from the central section of the beach (The Buckle) to the north west (West Beach) and south east (Splash Point) areas of the beach.
In October and February each year, the Environment Agency moves around 60,000 cubic metres of shingle from the eastern and western ends of the beach back to the centre of the beach. The shingle is loaded into lorries by an excavator, which then transports it to where it is needed.
Bulldozers then use the material to build up the beach.
Environment Agency Solent and South Downs Area flood and coastal risk operations manager David Robinson said, “By undertaking the recycling work we are able to maintain the defences at Seaford throughout the stormy winter weather.
“Shingle recycling at Seaford has been identified as the most cost-effective method for maintaining the beach for coastal protection and recreational purposes, whilst still allowing natural coastal processes to continue.
“We work with East Sussex County Council to ensure protection of wildlife, flora and fauna, and Seaford Town Council and local residents to enable the beach environment to be enjoyed all year round.”
The shingle realignment strategy is not without its controversies – Jim Skinner from the Seaford Community Partnership’s seafront theme group has complained at times it makes the beach inaccessible and dangerous due to a steep escarpment which forms on the beach.
The Environment Agency said it had worked with East Sussex County Council, Seaford Town Council and residents to enable the beach to be enjoyed all year round.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
